Send your petitions to be remembered during AMM’s annual novena of Masses celebrating Mary’s espousal to Saint Joseph. The novena begins January 14 at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. Our Lady and Saint Joseph are our models of holy living, especially as we face life’s daily difficulties. Mary and Joseph trusted in God’s plan for their marriage and family.  

 You are invited to burn a Votive Light as a sign of your faith-filled trust in God’s plan for you. Your intentions will be placed near Our Lady’s Altar here at the National Shrine throughout the novena and on the actual feast day, January 23. During the novena, join us in praying for the protection of all unborn children and that the many respect for life events across the United States are successful in changing hearts and minds to recognize the sanctity of human life. Mary and Joseph are our models of how to welcome the gift of life, no matter the circumstances.

Though in winter the earth seems barren, we know that new life is being nurtured in secret. Hope springs eternal! Sending the National Shrine’s new winter Votive Light card to a family member or friend is a wonderful way to show that your love for them is like God’s — “ever green.”  

When you request a Votive Light to burn and make an offering for another’s intention, you can present our newest greeting card to your special recipient. The gift of prayer symbolized in the glowing Votive Light Sanctuary here at the National Shrine will surely be an appreciated gesture this holiday season and in the new year!  

Call us at 1-800-264-6279, to request your card(s). Share your intention(s) or visit this link to Light the Votive online.

Don’t miss our issue of the Fall Bulletin Newsletter, AMM’s Spiritual Director, Father Kevin McCracken, C.M., reminds us that the heart of “being a Vincentian” lies in humbly responding to God’s call and blessings in our lives: to be devoted to serving others; to be charitable; to place all trust in God’s providence; and share Jesus’ love with the poor. We hope the stories of how an AMM member is living out the spirit will inspire your own daily journey. Don Fulford, AMM CEO of AMM, offers an insightful reflection for the season. Be sure to send your Holy Land pilgrimage intentions and request Christmas cards early. You are always welcome to help AMM strengthen our members by sharing your testimonial of faith and everyday ways you live out the Vincentian spirit. Call or write us anytime at 1-800-264-MARY (6279) or ammfather@amm.org

From the moment she was conceived, our Lady was granted the divine grace of being preserved from the stain of original sin. Mary’s purity was necessary as she was to become the living Temple of the Son of God. Appearing to Saint Catherine Labouré in 1830, our Blessed Mother called upon all people to invoke her as “conceived without sin.” You are invited to join us in a prayerful, eight-day celebration--the December 8 Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. First, take a moment to entrust your intentions to our Lady. They will be placed near Mary’s Shrine Altar and remembered throughout the Octave of Masses beginning December 8. Then, recite this prayer daily from December 8-15. You may also wish to request a Votive Light to burn as one more sign of your love for Mary — God’s pure and holy Queen through whom every grace and favor flows to us!

When our Blessed Mother first appeared to Saint Catherine Labouré, she was seated, hands open as if asking the young novice to surrender her joys, worries, and intentions to Mary. Today, I pray that like Catherine did, you will spiritually entrust your cares to her, as well. I also invite you to send me your special intentions to be placed physically into the hands of our Lady’s bronze statue here on the National Shrine grounds in Perryville, Missouri. Your needs will be remembered throughout our October 7-14 octave of prayer honoring Our Lady of the Rosary. You may wish to order one or both of these devotional gifts to enrich your prayer journey. Fr. Kevin’s inspiring letter shares more about this wonderful opportunity!