Daily Retreat 12/08/06
2006 Dec 8 Fri:IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY S,Holy Day of Obligation,
Gn 3:9-15,20; Ps 97(98):1,2-3ab,3cd-4; Eph 1:3-6,11-12; Lk 1:26-38
From today’s readings: “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers.... All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God.... In love He destined us for adoption to Himself through Jesus Christ.... Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you!”
American Religious and Patriotic Duty
Everyone knows St. Patrick is the patron of Ireland, and what a big deal his feast day on March 17th is for all those with even a drop of Irish blood. And, if there are any Hispanics in your parish, you’re probably aware that December 12th, the anniversary of the apparition to St. Juan Diego in 1531, is the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of Mexico.
But what of the United States of America? When is our national patronal feast day? Although many Catholics in America are ignorant of the fact, the American Bishops long ago designated December 8th, the Solemnity of Mary’s Immaculate Conception, as the Patronal feast day of our country.
The fact that this day passes every year unnoticed by the vast majority of Americans attests to a dismal failure on the part of American Catholics to evangelize our culture. Far too many Catholics even neglect to go to Mass themselves on this Holyday of Obligation, another troubling sign.
It is therefore crucial for us Catholics in America to address this deficiency! In every home, parish, and diocese, there needs to be a renewed focus on this feast, an inculturation of faith and patriotism, rooted in committed prayer for our country, particularly on this day, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, the unsung Patroness of the United States of America!
A simple but essential start: make sure to go to Mass yourself today, and invite a friend to join with you in praying for our country!
Gn 3:9-15,20; Ps 97(98):1,2-3ab,3cd-4; Eph 1:3-6,11-12; Lk 1:26-38
From today’s readings: “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers.... All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God.... In love He destined us for adoption to Himself through Jesus Christ.... Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you!”
American Religious and Patriotic Duty
Everyone knows St. Patrick is the patron of Ireland, and what a big deal his feast day on March 17th is for all those with even a drop of Irish blood. And, if there are any Hispanics in your parish, you’re probably aware that December 12th, the anniversary of the apparition to St. Juan Diego in 1531, is the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of Mexico.
But what of the United States of America? When is our national patronal feast day? Although many Catholics in America are ignorant of the fact, the American Bishops long ago designated December 8th, the Solemnity of Mary’s Immaculate Conception, as the Patronal feast day of our country.
The fact that this day passes every year unnoticed by the vast majority of Americans attests to a dismal failure on the part of American Catholics to evangelize our culture. Far too many Catholics even neglect to go to Mass themselves on this Holyday of Obligation, another troubling sign.
It is therefore crucial for us Catholics in America to address this deficiency! In every home, parish, and diocese, there needs to be a renewed focus on this feast, an inculturation of faith and patriotism, rooted in committed prayer for our country, particularly on this day, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, the unsung Patroness of the United States of America!
A simple but essential start: make sure to go to Mass yourself today, and invite a friend to join with you in praying for our country!
posted by FrPitstick | 12/06/2006
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