On the twenty-second day of August we celebrate Our Blessed Mother's Feast entitled, "Queen of Heaven and Earth." Nothing is so consoling in this valley of tears than having a spiritual mother. Some of us have been blessed by having a holy natural mother who consoled us when we were growing up. If things didn't go right for us, we knew where to turn. There was a bond that nourished us by the fact that our mother taught us how to pray by word and example. I never knew how important the consolation of our spiritual mother is until one day in early seminary days a teacher told us very assuredly that no matter how strong our family relationship is, the relationship we have in a spiritual way with Our Lord, the Blessed Mother, and the saints is infinitely stronger than our natural, human relationship. I've meditated on that truth very often through the years and came to the conclusion what a powerful actual grace that has been in my life as a priest. The simple truth is a central point of having a strong spiritual life. With the fundamental qualities learned about prayer--persevering and always praying attentively, humbly and confidently--these key elements build the character formation that everyone needs. In the world today organizations like the Legion of Mary and the Holy Name Society are the necessary family-type groups that make continual growth a part of a Catholic's heart-to-heart relationship with the Almighty, the Blessed Mother,and the saints. Holy Name members pray the Holy Name Pledge. Legion of Mary members pray the consecration prayer, "My Queen, My Mother I am yours and all that I have is yours." Members of St. Mary's Parish join those prayers with the total surrender to the Sacred Heart by our consecration of our parish and diocese through, with, in and for the Immaculate Heart of Mary who is truly the Queen and Mother of us all.

Praised be Jesus Christ,
Now and Forever!
Fr. Jerome Charles Romanowski, Pastor