St. Christopher Ladies Guild Woman of the Month
Blessed Virgin Mary
May is traditionally the month in which we honor Mary and reflect upon her role as the Mother of God. Mary is considered the first and greatest disciple of Jesus Christ, and thus, a model of openness and faith for all of us. She freely accepted God’s will and lived it. Her “yes” to the Angel Gabriel’s announcement changed the course of history for all eternity. Mary nurtured Jesus throughout His life and remained with Him during His ministry and crucifixion. She was also among the first to witness the resurrected Christ. Below is a beautiful reflection on Mary in the words of Saint Oscar Romero. (Translated by Josephine Dupuy)
Mary was a simple country woman of an oppressed people,
chosen by God to be the mother of Jesus.
Mary identifies with each one of us to embody Christ
in our own individual history.
Mary represents the needs of the people. She is the tenderness
that searches desperately for a solution.
Mary is the expression of anguish. She is the pain of the
Mothers who have lost their children.
Mary is the model of those who collaborate with Christ to liberate
the earth and obtain heaven…
…of the mother who, without fanfare, with the simplicity of motherly
martyrdom, gives life, nurses, raises and tenderly cares for her child.
Mary shows us that to give one’s life, to have the spirit of martyrdom,
is to give with commitment, in silence and prayer.
(From: Romero: El pueblo es mi Profeta, El Salvador, 1994)
Pope Francis cultivated a strong devotion to Mary. During his studies in Germany in 1980 he was deeply moved by the painting “Mary, Undoer of Knots” which resides in Saint Peter am Perlack Church in Augsburg, Germany. This painting, by Johann Melchior Schmidter, inspired Pope Francis’ prayer life during the pandemic. It is a beautiful image to contemplate as we ask for Mary’s intercession while praying about the difficult knots in our own lives.
Prayer to
Our Lady Undoer of Knots
Mother Mary, you have never refused to help any of your children in need. You never stop working for our welfare and well-being.
By the loving mercy and kindness that exists in your Immaculate Heart, cast your compassionate eyes on me, and see the snarl of knots that exists in my life.
Dear Mother! You know the difficulties, sorrow and pain that I’ve had because of them. I place the ribbon of my life and these knots into your loving hands because you can undo even the most difficult ones.
(Pause and silently mention your requests)
Most holy Mother come to my aid and intercede for me before God with your prayers. I cast these knots into your hands and beg you to undo them, in the name of your son, Jesus Christ, and for the glory of God, once and for all.
Our Lady, Undoer of Knots…
Pray for us!