I want to help you share God’s love and Mary’s motherly compassion with someone in need. More specifically, I’m certain there is someone in your life who has recently lost a loved one. I invite you to use our new Memorial Remembrance Card, and to send me the name of the deceased person so that he or she can be remembered in the prayers and daily Mass here at the Shrine for one year. Mary’s image on the card inspires us to realize that she stands by us in our sorrow just as she stood by Jesus as he died for us on the cross. You might also want to burn a Votive Light for your deceased loved one. Read more in Fr. Kevin’s letter about the love and comfort Jesus and his Blessed Mother have for us.     

For millions across this great country, a new academic school year will be starting soon. Join me and other Association members in calling on our Mother Mary to guide and direct all students and educators in God’s school of love.The Association has a new Back to School Votive Light card to let a loved one know you are praying for them. Please send me the names of those returning to school (students, teachers, staff members, etc.) so they may be included in the prayers and Masses offered at our Lady’s Shrine for the entire school year.  You might also want to give those returning to school their very own Miraculous Medal attached to a lobster-claw clasp. Read Fr. Kevin’s letter about remembering those returning to school 

We shed teardrops in thanksgiving for a blessing received, in joy for a special accomplishment, or in sorrow because of illness or the death of a loved one.  Our Blessed Mother experienced both the heights of joy and the depths of sorrow. She wants to wipe away our tears and comfort us as she comforted Jesus. We invite you to join us during the Our Lady of Sorrows Novena of Masses, beginning on September 6, in preparation for the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows on September 15.  We will prayerfully remember your special intentions at our Lady’s Shrine. You may also wish to burn a Votive Light at the Shrine. Read Fr. Kevin’s letter about how to offer our intentions to Mary. Request one or both of our special gifts: our new Light Blue Teardrop Rosary and our new Teardrop Miraculous Medal and Chain that have been blessed here at our Lady’s Shrine.

“My child, the good God wishes to charge you with a mission.”  On July 18, 1830, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal spoke these words to Sister Catherine Labouré, a novice of the Daughters of Charity in Paris, France. As we celebrate the 188th anniversary of Mary’s apparition to Saint Catherine, let us remember we, too, are Mary’s children. God wishes to charge us with the same mission of sharing his loving goodness with others. I invite you to send your petitions and burn a Votive Light at our Lady’s Altar, asking our Blessed Mother to obtain God’s graces for you, your family, and the entire world. They will be remembered in the Mass and prayers offered at the Shrine on July 18, the anniversary date.  Thank you for following Saint Catherine’s example and boldly accepting God’s mission given to us by our Lady.