On March 8, 2023, in St Peters Square, an excerpt by Pope Francis’ address on International Women’s Day:
“I think of all women. I thank them for their commitment to building a more humane society, through their ability to grasp reality with a creative eye and a tender heart”.
As we journey through Lent and the Passion of Jesus, I thought of Mary at the foot of the cross. Her pain, grief and horror would have been unimaginable at seeing her son defenceless, dying on the cross. Mary had great trust and faith in God’s plan for her life. Mary is the perfect maternal mother.
I have reflected on being a mother and as an Associate I find solace and resilience during difficult times praying to Our Lady. Venerable Mary Potter’s love of Mary, her life story and readings has been a gift passed on by the Little Company of Mary sisters. We are encouraged to have a compassionate heart. As Associates, let us offer to others the love and compassion that Mary and her Son had for one another.
“The sick, the vulnerable and the poor are at the heart of the Church; they must also be at the heart of our human concern and pastoral attention. May we never forget this! And let us commend ourselves to Mary Most Holy, Health of the Sick, that she may intercede for us and help us to be artisans of closeness and fraternal relationships”. (Pope Francis, 32nd World Day of the Sick, 11/02/2024)
Reflection
Do you hand over, surrender your own pain, suffering to Jesus?
Prayer
God of Compassion, open our eyes to the wonder of your life and love in us and the world. Open our hearts that we may learn your compassion, create in us space that brings your presence and hope to all those we meet in our broken world. Help us to have respect for one another and for creation.
Wishing you and your loved ones, a blessed and happy Easter.
