Friday, May 22, 2015

Praying for Life Year-Round: May 2015

 



Praying for Life Year-Round
May 2015
Mary, Our Mother

The month of May has been traditionally dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God, as Pope Paul VI noted in his short encyclical, Mense Maio (Month of May). In the second paragraph of the encyclical, he also noted: "Mary is rightly to be regarded as the way by which we are led to Christ, the person who encounters Mary cannot help but encounter Christ likewise. For what other reason do we continually turn to Mary except to seek the Christ in her arms, to seek our Savior in her, through her, and with her?"
Intention

Assured of Our Lady's motherly love, we ask that, through the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the lives of all unborn children be protected and cherished. 

Prayer
Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, Glory Be 
Reflection
Our Lady of Guadalupe is known for her protection of and love for pregnant mothers. As the perfect model of motherhood, Our Lady gives us constant hope, peace and love in our lives, just as our earthly mothers strive to do every day. By saying "yes" to God's call, she proved that pure trust in God's providence, especially during difficult times, can bring some of the most incredible blessings. This month, trust in Our Lady. Ask her for support in everything that you do. Pray that those who are faced with unexpected pregnancy, as she was, will say "yes" to God's call.
Acts of Reparation (choose one)
  • Pray this prayer to Our Lady of Guadalupe. (It is also available to order as a prayer card.)
     
  • Reach out to your own mother (or another mother that you admire) and send them extra love and gratitude today.
     
  • Attend a weekday Mass, and offer up a private intention for mothers who are facing difficult times during their pregnancies.
One Step Further 

The month of Mary begins with the feast of St. Joseph the Worker on May 1. Recalling St. Joseph's role as the foster father of Jesus, we learn from his example of welcoming a child lovingly into his family. 

"An Adoption Love Story" is about one couple's journey towards adopting their son, and gives an honest look at some concerns, challenges, and joys of welcoming a child through adoption.  

(This article is available to order by calling 1-866-582-0943.  English: Item #1445 / Spanish: Item: #1455.


© 1965 Libreria Editrice Vaticana. Used with permission. 
Image: A mosaic of Our Lady of Guadalupe decorates a side altar in the Church of Santa Maria della Famiglia at the Vatican. Dec. 15. (CNS photo/Paul Haring).

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