One of the first things that stood out to me about this Saint Benilde community when I took over as pastor a little over a year ago was that before every Mass we pray one of my favorite prayers, The Memorarae. As we approach one of the great solemnities of Our Lady this coming Saturday, August 15th, I think a little reflection on the role of Mary would be appropriate.
The Memorarae is a prayer that has been a part of Catholic tradition for centuries, and it is a prayer that I find very beautiful. It is also a prayer that expresses the role that Our Lady has in each of our lives. I love to tell people that if it wasn’t for Mary, I never would have entered the seminary, nor would I ever have been ordained a priest. I also have since added that if it wasn’t for Our Blessed Mother, I wouldn’t be able to do all that I am called to do as a priest and as a pastor of Saint Benilde Parish.
At the cross, Jesus entrusted Mary to Saint John, but that action also extended her maternal role to all of us. It isn’t a passive role that she has taken on. She doesn’t just sit up in heaven and smile lovingly upon each of us. She is continually interceding for us. All we need to do is open ourselves up to the graces that one would receive through that intercession. She takes such joy when her children call upon her, and she brings our prayers straight to her Son. I mean, Jesus can’t say no to Mary, so I know my prayers get pushed to the front of the line when I ask for her help. Even though that image isn’t quite theologically accurate, it does show that Mary takes an active role in the lives of her children, and desires us to reach out to her for her intercession.
As we prepare to celebrate this beautiful solemnity of the Assumption, let us thank Mary for all that she does and has done for us. Beginning with her “fiat” to the Archangel Gabriel and continuing each and every day with her intercession for each one of us. So, let us call upon her in times of need knowing that she lovingly brings our prayers to her son.
Our Lady of Prompt Succor: Hasten to Help Us!
-Fr. Matthew Johnston
Though not a Holy Day of Obligation this year, Mass will still be offered this Saturday 8/15 at 8:30 a.m. in celebration of the Feast of Our Lady's Assumption into heaven. All are welcome!
Tuesday, August 11 marked the official beginning of the school year for our St. Benilde 1st-7th graders while PK3, PK4, and Kindergarten's first day is today (8/12). Please continue to pray for each of these precious little ones as well as all our St. Benilde teachers, administrators and staff. Pray that they may each embody this year's school theme: "Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer" (Romans 12:12).
Following the success of our spring and summer Be Light Sessions, St. Benilde is excited to begin participating in Witness to Love's most recent free marriage enrichment resource: The Year of Belonging. This is a unique way for couples to intentionally focus on their marriage while also fostering relationships with other married couples. Whether you're newlyweds or have been married 50 years, you and your spouse are sure to benefit from this experience.
If you would like to join a St. Benilde couples sharing group or are interested in forming your own as part of the Be Light Year of Belonging, click the yellow button below. Participating couples will view the monthly content at the date/time/place that works best for them. Then they will come together monthly with other Catholic couples (in person or through Zoom) for fellowship and discussion. For more information, contact Audrey Huck at audrey.m.huck@gmail.com. Small groups will begin gathering in mid to late September.
Did you know that our patron saint's feast day is coming up? It's this Thursday, August 13. We invite all parishioner to petition St. Benilde for his special intercession particularly as the new school year begins. If you would like to learn more about the life of St. Benilde, visit here. For those of you with young children or grandchildren, check out the animated video on St. Benilde's life below.
