sunday in - Nativity of Our Lord

TWENTY-SEVENTH
SUNDAY IN
ORDINARY TIME
Nativity of Our Lord
C AT H O L I C C H U R C H & S C H O O L
IMMIGRATION AND OUR NATION’S FUTURE
A Pastoral Letter
written by
Most Rev. Samuel J. Aquila, Archbishop of Denver
and Most Rev. Michael J. Sheridan,
Bishop of Colorado Springs and Apostolic Administrator of Pueblo
October 1, 2013
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Immigration is a phenomenon America has experienced countless
times over the centuries and with each wave of new arrivals to our
shores comes a discussion of how we should react.
Because what is decided about our immigration laws will have
long-lasting material and spiritual consequences, we have decided
to write this pastoral letter to emphasize some of the moral principles that should be considered in the discussion.
OCTOBER
6
Before going into details, however, we want to make clear that this
letter should not be seen as an endorsement of any specific legislation currently being considered. Too often what starts as good
legislation ends up tarnished by all the add-ons legislators make.
America needs to reform its immigration laws across the board,
but establishing the specifics of those new regulations is the job of
lawmakers, not pastors. Our job is to teach about the moral values
that should shape those laws, and that is what this letter aims to
accomplish.
In a particular way, we hope that this letter will help form and
guide the consciences of Catholics – especially those who hold
public offices – and others of good will. ...
To read the letter in its entirety,
go to our website: www.nool.us!
FROM THE DESK
OF OUR PASTOR
Dear Parishioners,
The past few weeks have seen the beginning of many of our programs. I, myself, have been
working with the high school students, and I celebrate Mass every other week for the new
Sojourners young adult group. In both these groups, I find a great openness, desire, and
hunger for the faith. As Pope Francis insists, the faith cannot be communicated simply by
communicating concepts, but it needs to be discovered in the experience of our lives. For this
reason, this year, I would like to bring a group of these young people to participate in the National Right to Life
March in Washington. This annual march is truly a beautiful event full of faith and totally peaceful witness to
the value and dignity of the human person. On the evening preceding the march itself, there is a high Mass at
the National Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, which is, in my opinion, perhaps the most beautiful liturgy
celebrated each year in the Church here in our country. It is presided by the cardinals with hundreds of bishops
and thousands of priests concelebrating, and the basilica is packed to its largest capacity with the faithful. I
believe that to bring our young people to participate in this moment could be very helpful for the growth of
their Catholic awareness.
Part of the reason I am telling you all of this is to ask for some help, so that those young people who are unable
to afford the price of such a trip might be nonetheless able to come. In particular, I would be very interested
in the donation of frequent flyer miles either on the Star Alliance Network or the One World Network. If you
might have some such miles available to donate, we would be very grateful to hear from you.
The Right to Life March takes place on January 22, the anniversary of the Supreme Court decision in the Roe
v. Wade case, which made abortion on demand the law of our land. This year it falls on a Wednesday, in the
middle of the school semester, and therefore, our trip will need to be brief, hence our decision to fly.
If you have frequent flyer miles to donate, please contact Jacquie Fankell at [email protected], or speak to
somebody at the office.
Sincerely In Christ,
Fr. Michael
LITURGICAL
SCHEDULE
Mass Times:
Weekend Masses:
Saturday 4:30pm
Sunday 7:30am,
9:30am, & 11:30am
Youth Mass 5:00pm
Daily Mass:
Monday-Thursday 7:30am
Friday & Saturday 8:00am
First Friday of the month: 12:00pm
Readings for this Week:
Sacrament of Penance:
Saturday 8:30am & 3:00pm
Sunday 30 min. prior to each Mass
Saturday: Joel 4:12-21; Luke 11:27-28
PARISH
OFFICE
900 Midway Blvd.
Broomfield, CO 80020
Office Hours:
Monday-Friday
8:00am-5:00pm
www.nool.us
Phone: 303-469-5171
Fax: 303-469-5172
School: 303-466-4177
PLEASE NOTE!
Send all
bulletin information
to Jacquie Fankell at
[email protected]
by Tuesdays at noon.
Sunday: Habakkuk 1:2-3; 2:2-4; 2 Tm. 1:6-8, 13-14; Lk. 17:5-10
Monday: Jonah 1:1–2:1-2, 11; Luke 10:25-37
Tuesday: Jonah 3:1-10; Luke 10:38-42
Wednesday: Jonah 4:1-11; Luke 11:1-4
Thursday: Malachi 3:13-20b; Luke 11:5-13
Friday: Joel 1:13-15; 2:1-2; Luke 11:15-26
Next Sunday: 2 Kings 5:14-17; 2 Timothy 2:8-13; Luke 17:11-19
Pastor
Fr. Michael Carvill, ext. 114
[email protected]
Parochial Vicar
Fr. Accursio Ciaccio, ext. 111
[email protected]
In Residence
Fr. Gabriele Azzalin, ext. 121
[email protected]
Deacons
Richard A. Medenwaldt, ext. 106
[email protected]
Leonard “Buz” Onesky, ext. 106
[email protected]
Steve Vallero
Executive Assistant to the Pastor
Lynne Gallagher, ext. 101
[email protected]
Business Manager
Kyle Hubbart, ext. 108
[email protected]
School Principal
Kathy Shadel, ext. 119
[email protected]
Director of Faith Formation
Mark Thomason, ext. 104
[email protected]
Development Director
Ilene DuBey, 303-641-3667
[email protected]
Director of Religious Education
Diane Irby, ext. 103
[email protected]
Director of Music
Tad Koriath, ext. 123
[email protected]
Director of RCIA
Deacon Richard A. Medenwaldt, ext. 106
[email protected]
Parish Registrar
Merrilyn Sikora, ext. 110
[email protected]
Business Office Accountant
Carol Sullivan, ext. 109
[email protected]
Administrative Assistant - Front Desk
Belinda Marquez-Salgado, ext. 100
[email protected]
Sue Gettings, ext. 100
[email protected]
IT Specialist
Jim DuBey, ext. 115
[email protected]
Pastoral Communications Associate
Jacquie Fankell, ext. 135
[email protected]
Promoter of Works of Charity
Maura Johnson
[email protected]
Parish Sacristan
Marylou Sivigliano, ext. 136
[email protected]
THIS WEEK
AT NATIVITY
MASS INTENTIONS
Sunday, October 6
7:30am †Mr. & Mrs. Gross by Rose Roth
9:30am People of the Parish
11:30am †Vinton Puckett by Anthoula Theodosis
5:00pm †Elaine Hebert by the Golden Ladies
Monday, October 7
7:30am †Marion Walz by Pat & Joan Bridges
Tuesday, October 8
7:30am †Dorothy Blazel by Paul & Nicki Battista
Wednesday, October 9
7:30am †Harry Johnson by Ron & Chris Morrison
Thursday, October 10
7:30am †Dorothy Neddeau by Ben & Katherine Vagher
Friday, October 11
8:00am Ben & Katherine Vagher by Special Intention
Saturday, October 12
8:00am Fraternity of St. Charles Borromeo
4:30pm †Charlie Chavez by The Paddock Family
Sunday, October 13
7:30am †Elsie Bovdik by Karen & Sheila
9:30am People of the Parish
11:30am Patrick Bridges by Joan
5:00pm †Elaine Hebert by Nativity Widows Luncheon Group
Prayers for the sick and for the deceased:
We pray for all who are sick, and for our deceased relatives and friends
that they may speedily attain the blessedness of heaven and rejoice in
the eternal treasure of God’s glory and love.
If you have any prayer requests, please contact Connie
Modecker at 303-404-1792 or Joanne Farver at 303-466-8859 to be
included on Nativity's Prayerline.
Collection Counters this week: Judith Quinlan, Jeanette
Nansel, Maryann Reyes, & Nick Dipaola
Sacristy Laundry this Week: Nicki Battista
Collection Counters for next week: Mike Wasserburger,
Sheila Carranco, Patricia Kegerreis, & Jean Hindie
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
Sunday, October 6
North Metro Catholic Singles 10:30am
RCIA for Children 11:30am
Baptisms 12:45pm
CL School of Community 3:30pm
High School Youth 6:00pm
Basketball 6:30pm
Monday, October 7
Tuesday, October 8
Endow 8:30am
MJ Bible Study 1:00pm
Colossians 2:00pm
Religious Education 4:30pm
Colossians 6:30pm
Religious Education 6:30pm
Fourth Year Biblical School 7:00pm
Wednesday, October 9
St. Joseph's Men's Group 6:00am
Endow 8:00am
Religious Education 4:30pm
Women's Bible Study 4:30pm
Children's Choir 5:30pm
Endow 6:30pm
RCIA 6:30pm
Religious Education 6:30pm
Venturers of the Star 6:30pm
WorkForce Center 7:00pm
Thursday, October 10
MJ Bible Study 8:15am
Endow 10:00am
Adoration 12:00pm
Holy Hour 5:00pm; Benediction 5:55pm
Sojourners 6:00pm
School of Community 6:45pm
Centering Prayer 7:00pm
Second Year Biblical School 7:00pm
Friday, October 11
Saturday, October 12
Sunday, October 13
RCIA for Children 11:30am
Baptisms 12:45pm
CL School of Community 3:30pm
High School Youth 6:00pm
Basketball 6:30pm
LATEST
UPDATES
NATIVITY
N GHTS
Nativity Nights will be a parish-wide evening of Eucharistic Adoration, food, and fellowship. The goal of Nativity Nights is
to bring the community together through prayer around the Blessed Sacrament and fellowship around the dinner table.
The dates for this year’s Nativity Nights are: October 24, December 12, January 9, March 27, & June 5, each from 4-7pm
This week, you will have the opportunity to fill out a (very short!) survey about Adoration in the gathering area after all
Masses, in order to help us adquately prepare for Nativity Nights. Please be sure to stop by the table and fill one out!
FAREWELL, FR. JAMES!
On Saturday, September 28, a number of parishioners
gathered in Ryan Hall after the 4:30pm Mass to
celebrate the time Fr. James Ndifon spent with us here
at Nativity and to say goodbye as he returns to his
studies in Rome. We are so thankful for his service here
over the past few months and we wish him the best.
Thank you to everyone who celebrated this event with
us. Remember to keep Fr. James in your prayers!
sojourners - nativity young adults
The first Sojourners event was a success! A number of young adults gathered on Thursday, September 26 to
celebrate Mass at Nativity. We then headed over to Big Choice Brewery to enjoy fellowship and food, and we
closed the event with Night Prayer. Thank you for everyone who attended!
Our next meeting will be on October 10, with Mass at 6:00pm. All young adults are welcome!
Following Mass, we will go to the Frassati House to read and discuss the introduction of Lumen Fidei. Food
and drinks will be provided! The event will conclude with Night Prayer around 8:00pm.
For more information, go to www.nool.us or contact [email protected] or sign up for our Flocknote List.
UPCOMING EVENTS
& ANNOUNCEMENTS
OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH
SACRAMENT PREPARATION
Registration is now open for Spring Confirmation and First Eucharist. Download a registration packet from
our website, www.nool.us. You can find them on the Sacrament Preparation page, which is located under the
"Resources" tab, or you can always stop by and pick one up from the parish office!
HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH
VENTURERS OF THE STAR
All high school students are welcome to join us on
Middle school students, join us for Nativity's middle
Sunday nights after the 5:00pm Mass at the Frassati
school group led by Fr. Accu: Venturers of the Star.
House for dinner, games, and discussion led by Fr.
Our meetings are on Wednesday nights from 6:30Michael. This year's theme is "Words that Define the 8:00pm at the Frassati House. Come join us to sing
Christian Personality."
songs, play games, and learn about the faith.
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
RESPONDING TO THE CALL CONFERENCE
Saturday, October 19, 2013, doors open at 9:00am
Immaculate Heart of Mary Church (11385 Grant Dr., Northglenn, CO 80233). Celebrate the Holy Mass and
listen to numerous speakers for this Marian/Divine Mercy mini-conference. Please respond to the call and
register by contacting Marsha Anne at 303-373-1137. Suggested donation for adults is $20 and for youth ages
12-18, $10. Register as soon as possible because seating is limited!
RCIA NEXT SESSION
The topic: GOD, Father and Creator. God is the Creator, and His creation depends entirely on Him in order
to come into being and to be sustained in being--at every moment and in every way. Our next session will take
place at 6:30pm on October 2, 2013 in Weibel II room. We will also touch on the Scripture for 27th Sunday
in Ordinary Time for October 6. Curious about or interested in the Catholic faith? Come join us! Sessions
continue weekly on Wednesdays from 6:30-8:00pm. If you have any thoughts about looking into joining the
Catholic Church…"come and see!" For questions, call Deacon Dick at 303-469-5171 ext. 106 or by email at
[email protected].
WE NEED YOU! We continue to need people interested in helping with RCIA or sponsoring someone on the
way to Confirmation. There are many tasks that can be beneficial to those in the process, including sponsors.
It takes a community to form disciples and these tasks don’t require a high level of knowledge, only a desire to
help. Come and be part of the Forming Disciples Team or contact Deacon Dick at the parish.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR PRAYER
PUBLIC SQUARE ROSARY CRUSADE
Please join in the 2013 Public Rosary Crusade. The United States is in great
need of public prayer, repentance, and conversion. We must ask God to save
America through the Rosary of His most holy mother.
Where: The corner of Midway and Kohl Streets in Broomfield
When: Sunday, October 13 at noon
Contact: Lourdes Navarrete at 720-887-9777
CONSECRATION OF THE WORLD TO THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY
On Sunday, October 13, the anniversary of the final appearance of the Virgin Mary at Fatima, Pope Francis
will hold a ceremony during which he will consecrate the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. To
participate in this event here at Nativity, we will have a holy hour from 3:00-4:00pm on October 13.
FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
ATTENTION NATIVITY SENIORS
Fr. Michael invites you, the seniors of our parish, to help us plan a new group focusing on fellowship,
friendship & fun... including cultural & sporting events, speakers, potlucks, fun outings, and much more!
Please join us for pizza and open discussion of ideas for the group on Monday, October 21 at 5:30pm
in Ryan Hall. If you are interested, or have any questions, please contact Joe Weibel at 303-469-1592 ,
Howard Hoch at 303-807-4580 or Ilene DuBey at 303-641-3667.
SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
40 DAYS FOR LIFE
40 Days for Life is a Pro-Life effort that consists of:
40 days of prayer and fasting, 40 days of peaceful
vigil, & 40 days of community outreach. This fall,
from September 25 -November 3, our community will
make up two of over 300 cities in the United States
and internationally joining together to turn hearts and
minds from a culture of death to a culture of life. To
find out more about this life-saving mission contact
[email protected] or see the website:
www.40daysforlife.com.
REAL CHOICES FALL FUNDRAISER
The Real Choices Fall Fundraiser has been
rescheduled for October 18, 2013 at 6:30pm. The
dinner will be held at the Event Center at Church
Ranch, Westminster. It is a free event, but reservations
are required by calling 303-665-2341 or at www.
realchoicespartners.org.
THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU!
On behalf of the Knights of Columbus, Special
Olympics, F.R.I.E.N.D.S of Broomfield, Glory
Community, and Operation TBI Freedom, which
Please join Nativity Parishioners on Tuesday mornings assists local veterans suffering from traumatic brain
throughout the campaign in vigil prayer in front of
injuries, we can’t thank you enough for your efforts and
the Boulder Abortion Clinic. We will carpool after the financial support this year to make the 2013 Knights
7:30am Mass. Please meet in the gathering area. With of Columbus Tootsie Roll Drive a successful event.
questions or to arrange a prayer partner for another
May the Lord bless you. Be assured you will be in
time, please contact Carrie Kudrna at 720-261-7622.
our Council’s prayers for the “Good of the Order” in
thanksgiving for your efforts. Through your efforts we
were able to raise nearly $6,800.00 this year!! THANK
SHOPPING FOR STUDENTS
Help Nativity earn an easy 500 points for the Shopping YOU, from the Nativity of Our Lord Knights of
Columbus Council 10961.
4 Students program! From your cell phone, text
Nativity's mobile code: OTC11 to 55800. Anyone
VENDORS WANTED for the Nativity Craft Fair
can text Nativity's code, so get as many people as you
know to help support Nativity. This code can be used scheduled for November 9-10, 2013. To reserve a
space, please call Merrilyn at 303-469-5171.
once EVERY MONTH to get an easy 500 points for
Nativity. Thank you for your continued support!
WOMEN'S GUILD MEETING
The October meeting of the Women’s Guild is
HANDCRAFTED ITEMS NEEDED
Parishioners: The Women’s Guild needs scheduled for Monday, October 14, 2013 at 7:00pm in
your donations of handcrafted items for Weibel II Hall, where food kits will be put together for
our craft fair sales table. Please deliver sale at our Craft Fair table. We will need many hands
these to the lower lobby reception desk. for this process, so be sure to attend to help us out.
Questions? Call Nicki Battista at 303-469-0670.
Thank you!
CU BOULDER HOMECOMING: SUPPORT A PRECIOUS CHILD
Purchase a ticket (of $50 value) for $25 and $5 goes to support A Precious Child!
What: CU Boulder's Homecoming football game to support A Precious Child
When: Saturday, October 26, game time TBD
Where: Folsom Field, in Boulder
Why: To help A Precious Child provide sports equipment and participation fee
scholarships to underprivileged children in Colorado
How: Go to www.cubuffs.com/promo and us promo code 2013apreciouschild
For more information, contact Kiki Fornito at [email protected]
PRODUCTS OF THE MONTH:
lotion, deodorant, & hand soap
There is always a need for certain items, like the ones above, at FISH and the Samaritan Shelter. Please bring your
products to the church and place them in the labeled basket downstairs.
VOLUNTEER NEEDED
There is a need for a Eucharistic minister to bring Holy Communion to the Highland Trails Independent Living
Center, which is located at 5085 W. 136 Ave., Broomfield, CO 80023. The Catholic residents gather on the
third floor chapel on Mondays at 9:15am to receive Communion. Please call Lynne Gallagher at 303-469-5171
ext. 101 if you are interested. Thank you for considering this very important ministry!
A PRECIOUS CHILD NEEDS YOUR HELP WITH FAMILIES AFFECTED BY THE FLOODS
Over the past two weeks A Precious Child has provided service vouchers to more than 300 families (600
individuals) affected by the recent floods. They are partnering with FEMA to open a satellite Resource Center
in Boulder for the next two weeks to better service those families. They are calling on you to help them. Tasks
will include helping the Boulder satellite center by assisting families while they shop for clothing, diapers, socks
and underwear, toiletries, bedding and more! It is their goal to help as many families as possible that were
displaced from the floods to get back on their feet! Additionally, they are seeking volunteers to help sort through
incoming donations at our Broomfield Resource Center.
PLEASE VOLUNTEER! Visit their website at www.apreciouschild.org or call 303-466-4272.
Online Giving
Nativity participates in an online giving program that serves as a consistent, reliable means of making your offering to our parish.
To give online:
1. Visit our website www.nool.us.
2. Click on the Online Giving button on the right sidebar.
3. Complete the registration.
Questions?
Contact Kyle Hubbart at
[email protected].
OPPORTUNITIES BEYOND THE PARISH
CMA WHITE MASS & CONFERENCE
The Annual Gospel of Life Catholic Medical Association White Mass and Conference will take place
on Saturday, October 19, 2013 at St. Thomas More Parish (8035 S. Quebec St., Centennial). Medical
professionals, please wear your white lab coats for the White Mass that will take place at 8:30am. A few dynamic
speeches focused on honoring humanity will follow Mass. To register, go to www.ccdenver.org.
PRESENTATION: THE SHROUD OF TURIN This free presentation will be on Saturday, October
19 at 6:00pm in Big Mac Hall at Sts. Peter and Paul
Catholic Church (3900 Pierce Street, Wheat Ridge,
CO 80033), and it will be presented by Dr. John and
Rebecca Jackson, as seen on the History Channel,
EWTN and BBC.
BINGO NIGHT
Friday, October 11 at Saints Peter and Paul Church
(3900 Pierce St. in Big Mac Hall). Doors open at
6:00pm and bingo starts at 7:00pm. Bingo hard
cards are 2 for $1.00 per game, 50/50 Split Pot, and
special jackpot last game of the evening! Dinner and
concessions are available.
HEALING OPPORTUNITIES
PROJECT RACHEL POST ABORTION
HEALING HOTLINE: 303-388-4491 ext. 153
Open 24 hours to women and men.
COUNSELING SERVICES
Becky Kusick, M.A., L.P.C., offers counseling services
through Nativity. Becky has a Master’s Degree in
Clinical Psychology and is a Licensed Professional
Counselor. She has worked in the field for over 20
years. Becky works with couples, children, and adults.
For more information or for an appointment,
call 303-907-6499.
DOES ANYONE REALLY CARE?
A Stephen Minister is a trained volunteer ready
to listen in a non-judgmental way while maintaining
strict confidentiality. Through a caring relationship,
those who are hurting receive the love and support they
need. A Stephen Minister can help you realize that
God always cares. If you are going through hard times
due to loss of a loved one, unemployment, depression,
addiction, or any other reason, call today and ask for a
Stephen Minister. Please call 303-469-5171, ext.
113 and leave a confidential message. Your call
will be returned within 48 hours.
HOLY FATHER’S
GENERAL AUDIENCE
POPE FRANCIS
ST. PETER'S SQUARE
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2013
GENERAL AUDIENCE
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Good morning!
Today I am returning to the image of the Church
as mother. I am extremely fond of this image of the
Church as mother. For this reason I wish to return to
it, because I feel that this image not only tells us what
the Church is like but also what face the Church —
this Mother Church of ours — should increasingly
have.
Following what I said last Wednesday I would like to
stress three things, still looking at our own mothers, at
all they do, at all they experience, at all they suffer for
their children. I ask myself: what does a mother do?
1. First of all, she teaches how to walk through life,
she teaches the right path to take through life, she
knows how to guide her children, she always tries to
point out to them the right path in life for growing
up and becoming adults. And she does so with
tenderness, affection, and love, even when she is trying
to straighten out our path because we are going a little
astray in life or are taking roads that lead to an abyss.
A mother knows what’s important for a child to enable
him to walk the right way through life. Moreover she
did not learn it from books but from her own heart.
The university of mothers is their heart! They learn
there how to bring up their children.
The Church does the same thing: she gives our life
direction, she instructs us so that we can follow the
right path. Let us think of the Ten Commandments:
they point us to the road to take in order to mature, to
anchor our behaviour. They result from the tenderness
and from the very love of God who has given them
to us. You may say to me: but they are orders! They
are a series of 'nos!' I would like to ask you to read
them — perhaps you have more or less forgotten them
— and then think about them in a positive way. You
will see that they concern the way we behave to God,
to self and to others, exactly what a mother teaches
us in order to live correctly. They ask us not to make
ourselves material idols that subsequently enslave us.
They ask us to remember God, to show our parents
respect, to be honest, to respect others.... Try to see
the commandments in this way and to think of them
as though they were the words, the teachings that a
mother gives in order to live the best way. A mother
never teaches what is evil, she only wants the good of
her children and so does the Church.
2. Secondly, I want to tell you: when a child grows
up, becomes an adult, he chooses his path, assumes
his responsibilities, stands on his own two feet, does
what he likes and at times he can also go off course,
some accident occurs. A mother has the patience to
continue to accompany her children, always and in
every situation. It is the force of her love that impels
her; a mother can follow her children on their way
with discretion and tenderness and, even when they
go astray, always finds a way to understand them, to
be close, to help. We — in my region — say that a
mother can “dar la cara.” What does this mean? It
means that a mother can “put on a brave” for her
children, in other words she is always motivated to
defend them. I am thinking of the mothers who suffer
for their children in prison or in difficult situations:
they do not question whether or not their children are
guilty, they keep on loving them. Mothers often suffer
humiliation, but they are not afraid, they never cease
to give of themselves.
This is how the Church is. She is a merciful mother
who understands, who has always sought to help and
encourage even those of her children who have erred
or are erring; she never closes the door to home. She
does not judge but offers God’s forgiveness, she offers
his love which invites even those of her children who
have fallen into a deep abyss to continue on their
way. The Church is not afraid to enter their darkness
to give them hope; nor is the Church afraid to enter
our darkness when we are in the dark night of our
soul and our conscience to give us hope! Because the
Church is mother!
3. A last thought: for her children a mother is also able
to ask and knock at every door, without calculation;
she does so out of love. And I think of how mothers
can also and especially knock at the door of God’s
heart! Mothers say so many prayers for their children,
especially for the weaker ones, for those in the greatest
need or who have gone down dangerous or erroneous
paths in life. A few weeks ago I celebrated Mass in
the Church of St. Augustine, here in Rome, where
the relics of St. Monica, his mother, are preserved.
How many prayers that holy mother raised to God for
her son, and how many tears she shed! I am thinking
of you, dear mothers: how often you pray for your
children, never tiring! Continue to pray and to entrust
them to God; he has a great heart! Knock at God’s
heart with prayers for your children.
The Church does this too: with prayers she puts in the
Lord’s hands all the situations of her children. Let us
trust in the power of the prayer of Mother Church:
the Lord is not indifferent. He always knows how to
amaze us when we least expect it, as Mother Church
knows!
These were the thoughts I wanted to share with you
today: let us see the Church as a good mother who
points out to us the way through life, who is always
patient, merciful, understanding and who knows how
to put us in God’s hands.