Each year, in the Catholic Church, the month of October is dedicated to the Holy Rosary, a well-known devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary by all Catholics.
The Christians at Christ the King Parish, gathered together to mark the beginning of this grace filled month of our Mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary. The gathering was a real synodality event, the children, the youth, sisters, priests, adult laity and our Bishop Ludovick Joseph Minde (ALCP/OSS).
The Bishop read and gave a reflection on from the Gospel of John 19:25-27. Tis reflection of Mary standing by the Cross was a reminder on how close she is to each one of us, to the Church and the family. “Woman behold your son.” As a mother, she understands all human situations and surely pleads to her beloved son, “They have no wine”. The Virgin Mary then continues, “Do whatever he tells you.”(John 2:5).
The challenge and food for thought for me was, do I listen attentively to what Jesus tells me when I read the scriptures, reflect and in my day to day living? Like Mary, I desired to have ample time to ponder in my heart.
The short reflection was followed by a prayerful and solemn procession with the well decorated statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Marian hymns and praises were joyfully sung and filled the air in honour of our Mother Mary. These hymns and praises that were familiar seemed to carry a message in the hearts of many of us as we raised our voices and sung together. How to imitate and follow Mary’s simplicity, humility, following the Saviour to the end, moving forward in one’s faith even when it’s not easy, obedience to God’s call, her trust in God’s promises, her faith in God, unceasing prayer, ardent love ,kindness, patience, heavenly wisdom …… the list is endless.
The statue was carried back to the Church and recitation of the glorious mysteries started, in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The full and active participation was a sign that through her motherly intercession, we may achieve holiness of life and deepen our faith as we journey together towards our heavenly home.
As the Religious of the Assumption, we are called to have ardent love for God, the Church and the Virgin Mary. At the end of each Chapter of our Rule of Life, we have the Blessed Virgin Mary as our model who allowed God to transform her for the work of salvation.
Like Mary, may each one of us allow and enable the Holy Spirit to strengthen our faith to say “Yes” unconditionally to God’s plan for each one of us. Let us allow the Blessed Virgin Mary to take us by the hand.
Mary Queen of the Most Holy Rosary……….. Pray for us.
By Sr. Nancy Nyawira