May 20.    Mrs Davies shared in her prayer group,  “What has happened to the strong devotion to Mary that was so much part of Church life and also in families.  We used to pray the Rosary together when I was a child but that now seems to be done mainly women, or people on their own, but occasionally some families do pray or say the Rosary.  I’m happy that Pope Francis has added a new feastday of Mary, as Mother of the Church.” Others agreed that it was a very good thing to promote devotion to Our Lady in their families, especially in a way that suited their own family, as a little church of the home.  They decided to make this into a group project starting with sharing their suggestions. 

Reflect, share, Scripture:  After Jesus had been taken up into heaven, they returned to Jerusalem and went to the upper room where they were staying. All the apostles devoted themselves to prayer with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus.  Acts 1:12-14

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.  Completely transfigured she now lives with Jesus and treasures the entire life of Jesus in her heart, and now understand the meaning of all things.  Hence we can ask her to enable us to look  at this world with eyes of wisdom.  LS 241   ACTION.  Consider your family’s devotion to Mary. Let us pray:  As families let us be seeds of hope in our lives and our world, rooted in faith and love.