“Birthday celebrations bring happiness to the celebrant as well as to family and friends. Next to the birth of Jesus, Mary’s birth offers the greatest possible happiness to the world. Each time we celebrate her birth, we can confidently hope for an increase of peace in our hearts and in the world at large.” -- from a Franciscan reflection
Every year on September 8, the Church celebrates the Nativity of Mary — the birthday of the Mother of God, who is our Mother, too.
I invite you to be included in this year’s birthday celebration honoring Our Lady by sending your intentions. The wax seals affixed to the mailed letter, and returned from faithful members, will be melted together to form a large, distinctive candle. It is a gift to Our Blessed Mother as a sign of her children’s love.
By sending your intentions you will be representing your spiritual presence in the octave of prayer, beginning on Mary's birthday at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. The candle that is made will burn beside Our Lady's Shrine Altar for eight days, beginning September 8.
Sending me your special prayer intentions is an opportunity for you to seek a special blessing or favor through Our Blessed Mother’s intercession. You may also request to burn a Votive Light. And, if you are able, please consider sharing a special birthday offering.
Your gift will help AMM continue its mission in three important ways. It will (1) help draw more souls closer to Christ through Our Lady; (2) support the ministries of Vincentian priests and brothers; and (3) allow us to continue distributing free, blessed Miraculous Medals to anyone who asks.
Many members tell us how Mary has showered them with comfort and blessings of all sorts. Kathy B. from Texas wrote:
"My husband was diagnosed with cancer and needed two surgeries plus six weeks of radiation. Because it was early in the pandemic, I was unable to accompany him to his treatments. So, I gave him a Miraculous Medal to carry with him. I asked Our Lady to please take care of him and watch over him. A follow-up PET scan has shown my husband is cancer free. The prayers to Our Lady and the Miraculous Medals got us through this difficult time. Thank you for your work to help spread devotion to Our Blessed Mother.”
As you’ll recall, you can request free, blessed Miraculous Medals on an explanation card anytime. Simply call us Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., CT, at 1-800-264-6279. You may submit your prayer requests by phone, as well.
We look forward to hearing from you. I thank you also for your continued prayers for the Association’s ministry in bringing Jesus Christ to the world by inspiring devotion to Mary, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.
Sincerely in Jesus and Mary,
Fr. Kevin McCracken,C.M.
Spiritual Director