May 25.   Mary, Mother of the Church.  SEE.     There was a young teenage group of altar servers who used to meet on a Sunday evening with the parish deacon, Benedict.  He told them, “The Church has traditionally dedicated this month of May to Mary, the mother of Jesus.  That is why we have Mother’s Day this month too. When I was growing up almost every family had a great devotion to Mary.  Many would say the Rosary every night and I must admit that most of us kids didn’t appreciate having to kneel next to our beds for that, although we did like to see her as our other mother who cares for us. Isn’t that how much society has developed. We tend not to put our whole heart into things.” And he sighed quietly. “Except for sport, old man!” a voice piped up. “Ja, I suppose you’re right that sport has become the new religion. And while sport-madness is so often overdone, there are positives too.”  “I love it when my mom comes to watch my matches. And always makes sure that I have clean gear to wear.”   Abigail voiced her interest, while fingering her Immaculate heart of Mary medal. “My gran gave it to me and introduced me to the Rosary and to have a really special friendship with Mary.  I know she has stood by many people over the years, and hope and pray that she will be my friend forever, apart from being the Mother of the whole Church.”   

JUDGE. Reflect, share. Scripture.  The Lord said to the serpent, “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; he shall bruise your head and you shall bruise his heel.”  The man called his wife’s name Eve because she was the mother of all living. Genesis 3:9-15, 20.  Jesus spoke from the cross, “Behold your Son. Behold your mother. John 19:25-34

Pope Francis:  Mary, the Mother who cared for Jesus, now cares with maternal affection and pain for this wounded world.  Just as her pierced heart mourned the death of Jesus, so now she grieves for the sufferings of the crucified poor and for the creatures of this world laid waste by human power.LS241 Pope Leo in Angola Muxima Mama shrine: Dear young people, and those devoted to Mamã Muxima, the Mother of the Heart, I am pleased to share this moment of Marian prayer with you.  We are in a sanctuary where, for centuries, many men and women have prayed in times of joy and also in moments of sorrow and great suffering in the history of this country.  For a long time now, Mamã Muxima has quietly worked to keep the heart of the Church alive and beating.  Her heart contains a multitude of hearts: yours, and those of many people who love, pray, celebrate, weep, and sometimes — even when unable to come in person — entrust their requests and petitions to letters and postal messages.  Mamã Muxima welcomes everyone, listens to everyone and prays for everyone.  

Act and Pray. Put up an image of Mary as a reminder to pray often:  Mary, Mother of the Church, pray for us.