The Queen-Mother.
Today we celebrate the Memorial of the Queenship of Mary, which is closely tied to the Solemnity we celebrated last week, the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In the ancient world, monarch, Kings, Queens, were not mere figure-heads, but they were, rather, the ones to lead the armies into battle and war. Today, there is a war raging for souls. I have only been a priest for 5 short years, but in those short handful of years, I have seen many enter the Church. However, sadly, I have seen many more leave the Church. I am ashamed to admit there have been some who have left because of me; something I have said or done. There are still others who have left for some other reason, a hurt, a feeling of unwelcome or of having been judged, a disagreement with Church Teaching, a deception that God does not care, or any one of countless other reasons.
Today, on the Memorial of the Queenship of Mary, I want to issue a challenge. Let us take up arms under the leadership of the our Queen-Mother.
Today take up the rosary, pray the Glorious Mysteries (Which include Mary’s Coronation), pray each mystery for someone (5 people) who is away from the Church, that they would be healed, that they would be able to feel the warm embrace of God again, that they would return home.
As you pray the Rosary, ask Mary’s intercession for you that you grow in holiness, so as to not lead others astray.
Call someone who is away and invite them home.
If you have been away from the Church, come home. I wait to welcome you back into the Father’s house. I stand ready to embrace you. If you have been hurt by someone in the Church bring that hurt with you and let me help your bear it.
I entrust all of this to Mary, the Queen of Heaven and Earth.