I love that the Catholic Church dedicates two months of every year to celebrate Mary, the mother of God during October and May. Mary’s faith is referred to in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, (CCC), many times. Mary completely submitted her will and obedience to the Lord God when the angel visited her; she had faith in the words of God spoken to her. The readings today speak of faith for those who hear the Word of God and observe it.
Today is the feast day of Our Lady of Aparecida. In 1717 three men were tasked with providing the fish for a big celebration in Guaratinguetá, Brazil. Though it was not the time of year for the fish to run in the local river, Domingos Garcia, Felipe Pedroso, and João Alves cast their nets for several hours with no luck. As they prepared to go home, João decided to cast his net one more time and brought up a wooden carving of a woman, the Blessed Virgin Mary with her head missing. He cast his net again in the river and this time found the head of the statue tangled in the net. João cast his net a third time and his net was overwhelmed with fish. His companions cast their nets and they too caught an abundance of fish.
These men are wonderful examples of being a disciple of Christ; doesn’t their story remind you of Jesus calling the first apostles? The Catechism says, “The disciple of Christ must not only keep the faith and live on it, but also profess it, confidently bear witness to it, and spread it.” (CCC 1816) Many miracles have been recorded over the past 300 years as a testament of the faith of the people in that region who heard the word of God and believed in the graces He bestowed through the Blessed Virgin Mary. Our Lady of Aparecida was declared the Patroness of Brazil in 1931 by Pope Pius XI. Pope St. John Paul II and Pope Francis have each visited the cathedral on their trips to Brazil.
Lord, increase my faith to see the miracles happening all around me. Mary, mother of Word Incarnate, thank you for your witness to the wonders of God throughout the world. Amen.
Daily Reading
Wednesday of the Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Reading 1 GAL 5:18-25 Brothers and sisters:If you are guided by the Spirit, you are not under the law.Now the works of the flesh are obvious:immorality, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry,sorcery, hatreds,…
Saint of the Day
Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque
Apostle of the Sacred Heart, celebrated for profound spirituality and devotion.
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