M
MariaChristi
Guest
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
There is such an admixture of Sorrow and Joy on this date, especially for us in the USA. We have on one hand the anniversary of the attack on our fleet based at Pearl Harbor which ushered us into war, and we have the vigil of Mary’s Feast of the Immaculate Conception. It is under that title of her Immaculate Conception that Mary is the Patroness of these United States.
Though, I was a young child I still remember that day – not knowing what it all meant. I remember my older cousins serving in the Marines, the Army and the Navy. My brother was too young to serve in the Armed Forces, during the war, but later did follow my cousin into the Marine Corps. I remember a picture of Mary Immaculate in our house, and a statue of Our Lady of Lourdes and all the prayers we prayed for the safety of our families.
Gratefully, all my cousins were spared and returned home, but watching some of the news coverage of the terrible loss of life on Pearl Harbor (2400 died in that attack, according to the commentator) I can only imagine all the pain in those days of war. May Perpetual Light shine upon all those who perished, may their souls and the souls of all the Faithful Departed rest in peace. Amen.
Immaculate Heart of Mary, on this Vigil of your Feast, please pray for us in the United States and in all the countries of the world, that we use our strength for good and as a protection for those truly vulnerable. America has been great because she has been good. Continue to implore your Son for the graces we need to find in Him all we truly need for ourselves and for those God desires us to help – in love for Him Who created us all. May we bring Jesus to others as you did, Mother, by the power of the Holy Spirit.
There is such an admixture of Sorrow and Joy on this date, especially for us in the USA. We have on one hand the anniversary of the attack on our fleet based at Pearl Harbor which ushered us into war, and we have the vigil of Mary’s Feast of the Immaculate Conception. It is under that title of her Immaculate Conception that Mary is the Patroness of these United States.
Though, I was a young child I still remember that day – not knowing what it all meant. I remember my older cousins serving in the Marines, the Army and the Navy. My brother was too young to serve in the Armed Forces, during the war, but later did follow my cousin into the Marine Corps. I remember a picture of Mary Immaculate in our house, and a statue of Our Lady of Lourdes and all the prayers we prayed for the safety of our families.
Gratefully, all my cousins were spared and returned home, but watching some of the news coverage of the terrible loss of life on Pearl Harbor (2400 died in that attack, according to the commentator) I can only imagine all the pain in those days of war. May Perpetual Light shine upon all those who perished, may their souls and the souls of all the Faithful Departed rest in peace. Amen.
Immaculate Heart of Mary, on this Vigil of your Feast, please pray for us in the United States and in all the countries of the world, that we use our strength for good and as a protection for those truly vulnerable. America has been great because she has been good. Continue to implore your Son for the graces we need to find in Him all we truly need for ourselves and for those God desires us to help – in love for Him Who created us all. May we bring Jesus to others as you did, Mother, by the power of the Holy Spirit.
