Freedom…

Memorial Day is a good day to think about our freedom. The freedom we enjoy as Americans was won at great cost. Many sacrificed their lives so we could live free from tyranny and oppression.

And the freedom we enjoy as Catholics also came at a great cost. Jesus sacrificed himself for us so we could be free from sin and death.

On Memorial Day, we traditionally visit a cemetery to remember and pray for our honored dead. We often go to Mass on this day, and we remember Jesus, who gave his life to free us from the bondage of sin. Through the celebration of the Mass, we gain a deeper appreciation of our Lord’s sacrifice for us.

This year Memorial Day falls on the day after Pentecost. We remember the spirit of sacrifice and giving that connects both days.

On Pentecost, we celebrate God’s gift of the Holy Spirit and the Church. On Memorial Day, we remember those who sacrificed their lives so we could live as free people. On both days, we pray, we remember, and we give thanks.

Reflecting on the gift of our own freedom and the sacrifices others made for us moves us to work for the freedom of others, especially the poor. Saint Vincent de Paul spent his life working to free the unfortunate from one of the worst forms of oppression—poverty. And this is what we do today as members of the Association of the Miraculous Medal and the Vincentian Family.

Who do you want to honor in prayer on Memorial Day?

Use the remembrance list link below to send the names and your intentions to our Lady’s Shrine. We'll join you in prayer, and I will keep it at the Shrine for Memorial Day, to be remembered at Mass on that day. 

Sincerely yours in Mary,

Memorial Day remembrance and intentions.
Honor a loved one through the Association's Tribute Program.
Read a Memorial Day Remembrance prayer.
Send an e-card to someone in the military.
Make a donation to the Miraculous Medal Association.