Many people put off the important task of creating a sound estate plan because they underestimate its importance and/or lack knowledge about executing a proper will. In this season’s Rays of Light, AMM members are invited to receive a free brochure to help clear up confusion and put people on the path to a better understanding of commonly misunderstood truths about the final distribution of their assets. “24 Things People ‘Know’ About Wills that Aren’t Really So” (X118) is available free upon your request. Thank you for your generous support to ensure the future of Our Lady’s mission being carried out here at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Perryville. 

“Blessed the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in his

commands. His descendants shall be mighty in the land, a generation of

the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches shall be in his house; his

righteousness shall endure forever.”

As teachers and students prepare to return to the classroom, please join AMM members in praying for them. Click here to share the names of those you’d like remembered in the daily Mass and prayers offered at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal throughout the coming school year. For a suggested offering of $10 each, you may also request the “Backpack Mary Medal” with a lobster claw clasp to give as a thoughtful back-to-school gift for a special child, grandchild, or teacher. You may also request up to 500 free, blessed Miraculous Medals on story cards to distribute to Catholic schoolchildren, educators, and family members. Each medal comes on an attractive fold-over card explaining its origin. (Browse AMM’s online gift shop for more medal options, Votive Light cards, and more.)

As Fr. Kevin’s letter reminds us, Mary desires to bring her children to the fullness of truth. She inspires teachers and students who are open to her promptings.

Tuesday, July 18, marks the 193rd anniversary of Our Lady’s first appearance to Sister Catherine Labouré at the chapel in the Daughters of Charity Motherhouse in Paris. On this night, Mary spoke of God’s future mission for the young novice. She also promised that heaven’s graces would be shed upon all who asked for them. We will remember this blessed occasion during that day’s Mass and prayers at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. Send your special intentions to be placed near the foot of Our Blessed Mother’s Shrine Altar for remembrance. You may also burn a Votive Light inside the Shrine’s beautiful Votive Light Sanctuary. Finally, this video highlights a statue on the Shrine grounds depicting that moment when Catherine took Mary’s hand in complete trust and devotion. Our Lady is just as near to you. What would you ask of Mary today?

Send your petitions and burn Votive Lights at Our Lady’s National Shrine here in Perryville, Missouri, for the Mother of Divine Grace Novena, beginning July 14. Your petitions will be remembered in our daily Mass and prayers throughout the nine days of the novena and on the feast of the Mother of Divine Grace on July 23. Grace is a free gift from God to man. Our Lady, who is the Mother of Divine Grace, recognizes that we are in need of God’s grace. She reminds us to ask for it. Let Our Blessed Mother intercede for you with her loving Son. I also invite you to say this prayer to Our Lady throughout the nine days of this novena.