Today, the last day of May, is celebrated as the feast of the Visitation. The Gospel of St. Luke tells us that after the Angel Gabriel left the company of Our Lady, she left in haste to visit her cousin Elizabeth. This wonderful story tells of this initial encounter of four people involved in the work of God to bring about our redemption. As Our Lady greets her cousin, the child within her womb, leaps for joy. Here, in the womb, he who would be known as the Baptist and would announce the Messiah on the banks of the Jordan River, announces the nearness of our salvation from within the womb.
This tender story is a reminder of the sacredness of all life, most especially that within the womb. Let us offer a special prayer today for the nearness of a change in our laws to protect the life within the womb. Let us be mindful that protests remind us that while laws may change, hearts are far from embracing the truth of life within the womb. Let us pray that they may not be duped by dishonest politicians who pander for votes by creating a climate of fear about losing constitutional rights. Before the Constitution was the Declaration of Independence that declared the 'life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness' for all citizens. May the life within the womb be so protected.
A reminder that we will honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus in June. We will ask Our Lady as she loves her Son with her Immaculate Heart to teach us to love him too. There will be special discounts and sales this month to reduce inventory for an upcoming move for our gift shop.
Also, save the date of Saturday, August 6th. A special day long conference will be held in anticipation of the 35th anniversary of Audrey's accident at Assumption University. It is called "Embracing the Eucharist."