NOVENA: PREPARATION FOR TRAVEL, DAY 5 WE PRAY TOGETHER

Please let me introduce you to a piece of art that we do not see too much, at least not in North America, that I know of.  It is an icon of the Weeping Mother of La Salette from the Province of Our Lady Reconciler of Sinners, Switzerland.  It graces the cover of the book <All My People> Written by Father Marcel Schlewer,MS in 1998.  I am looking forward to seeing Father Schlewer again after about 50 years of separation.  That should be quite an experience.  

We intend to exhibit this picture at the September 17, 2011 event to be held in Moreno Valley, California at St. Christopher Parish.

Yesterday we received the Newsletter from the Province of Mary, Mother of the Americas.  It gives me the incentive to give you the link one more time.  There are some fascinating historical articles to be found there.  I myself will spend more time there this evening.  Click on this link and explore.

We now continue our novena.  It is not the 5th day.  Takeoff is fast approaching.

5.  Mary cried.

     John 19, 25 - 27 

     At the foot of the cross there stood Mary.

     What happens to me when I see a mother cry? How do I feel knowing that, at La Salette, 

     Mary cried for me?

I know that we have a crying mother, homeless, with her 14 year old son by her side on the prayer list.  

                                   MEMORARE TO OUR LADY OF LA SALETTE
Remember, Our Lady of La Salette,
true Mother of Sorrows,
the tears you shed for us on Calvary. 
Remember also the care you have taken
to keep us faithful to Christ, your Son.
Having done so much for your children,
you will not now abandon us.
Comforted by this consoling thought,
we come to you pleading,
despite our infidelities and ingratitude. 
Virgin of Reconciliation,
do not reject our prayers, but intercede for us,
obtain for us the grace
to love Jesus above all else.
May we console you by a holy life
and so come to share the eternal life
Christ gained by his cross.  Amen.