The Angel came to Mary and said: Rejoice, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Do not be afraid Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a Son, and you shall give him the name Jesus.
Intention: Let us pray to Mary that numerous young men and women may respond to God’s call.
The Virgin Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth
Mary enters the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth said: Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
Intention: Let us pray to Mary that our families may be moved by such an intense spirit of love and faith as to become a source of authentic vocations.
The birth of Jesus
They were in Bethlehem when the time came for Mary to have her child, and she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger.
Intention: Let us pray to Mary for holy priests and consecrated men and women dedicated to the needs of their brothers and sisters.
The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple
*When the day came to purify them, the couple brought Him up to Jerusalem so that He could be presented to the Lord. Simeon said to Mary: This child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and a sword will pierce your soul. *
Intention: Let us pray that parents may foster, respect, and guide the vocation of a son or daughter who might feel called to a life of consecration to God.
Finding Jesus in the Temple
When Jesus was 12 years old, He went with His parents to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover. After 3 days, they found Him in the temple sitting with the teachers, listening, and asking questions.*
Intention: Let us pray to Mary that children may be respected and given religious education.
Jesus prayed, “Abba Father, remove this cup from me. Yet, not what I will, but what you will.” As He was in agony, He prayed even more earnestly and greater drops of blood formed like sweat and fell to the ground."
Intention: Let us pray to Mary that we might all understand the redemptive value of our suffering in union with the suffering of Christ.
The Scourging of the Pillar
The crowd shouted: "Let his blood be upon us and upon our children. Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, ordered Jesus to be scourged and then delivered Him to be crucified.
Intention: Let us pray to Mary that parents may teach their children the redemptive value of pain and suffering.
The Crowning of Thorns
The soldiers clothed Jesus in a purple cloak, and plaiting a crown of thorns, they put it on Him. With a stick, they gave Him blows on the head and spat on Him.
Intention: Let us pray to Mary that parents have the courage to support their children to be faithful to their vocation, in spite of the ridicule and misunderstanding of society.
Jesus carries His cross
They took Jesus, and He went out, bearing His own cross, to the place called Golgotha (place of the Skull). A man named Simon of Cyrene was pressed to carry the cross behind Jesus.
Intention: Let us pray to Mary, that young men and women who want to be Jesus’ disciples may have the courage to take His cross and follow Him.
The Crucifixion
There He was crucified and with Him two others. Near the cross of Jesus stood His mother. Jesus said, “Father, into your hands I commit my Spirit.” And having said this, He breathed His last.
Intention: Let us pray to Mary that all parents may be true disciples of Christ and witness of the Paschal Mystery in their life, so that they may inspire their children to dedicate their life to the service of God and of the Church.
The first day of the week, at dawn, the women came to the tomb. They found the stone rolled back from the tomb, but they did not find the body of the Lord. Two men in dazzling garments stood beside them and said: Do not be afraid; for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, as He said.
Intention: Let us pray that religious men and women always find joy in their consecration and discover in the Risen Lord the goal of their lives.
The Ascension of Our Lord
*As the apostle looked on, Jesus was lifted up, and a cloud took Him out of their sight. Two men, dressed in white stood beside them and said: Why do you stand their looking at the sky? Jesus will come in the same way as you saw Him go there. *
Intention: Let us pray to Mary that she may encourage many generous people to decide without hesitation and with enthusiasm to follow Jesus.
The Holy Spirit comes
“Suddenly a sound came from heaven like the rush of a mighty wind…and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit.”
Intention: Let us pray that Mary may obtain from God numerous and zealous disciples who, filled with the Spirit of God, may announce Jesus’ Good News to all nations.
The Assumption of Mary
Since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring Him those who have fallen asleep…and so we shall always be with the Lord.
Intention: Let us pray to Mary that all those who are preparing to become priests and religious may guide their brothers and sisters toward God.
The Crowing of Our Lady
A great sign appeared in heaven; a women clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.
Intention: Let us pray to the Blessed Mother that all Christians may commit to live the universal vocation to holiness.
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