The Immaculate Conception of Mary – Homily

The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin MaryGenesis 3:9-15, 20Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4 (1a)Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12Luke 1:26-38December 8, 2020 God is the creator of the world, the “maker of heaven and earth.” What God created is good.  God created in six days, resting on the seventh.  As God created, each day He looked at what …

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Our Catholic Understanding of Mary

While all Christianity honors Mary as the mother of Jesus, not all denominations hold Mary in the same regard as we Catholics do. Many Protestants misunderstand what we believe about Mary. Some of them interpret our devotion to Mary as giving worship to Mary. We do not worship Mary. We worship only God. We venerate …

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Mary, the Holy Mother of God – Homily

Mary, the Holy Mother of GodNumbers 6:22-27Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8Galatians 4:4-7Luke 2:16-21January 1, 2019 As we gather here today to celebrate a holy day, it is January 1st.  In our country it is New Year’s Day.  However, the fact that we are beginning a new year on the secular calendar is not what our …

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The Presentation of Mary and Our Presentation of Ourselves

Today we celebrate the Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  It is celebrated on November 21st marking the dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary the New in Jerusalem in the year 543.  As with most of the Virgin’s Mary life, we know little about it.  The story of the presentation of …

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Some Insights on Our Catholic Understanding of Mary

Today, July 4th, I used my “independence” to do some spiritual reading.  The insights I am about to share are not my own but come from Dr. Edward Sri.  I had the opportunity to attend a presentation by him in March.  I enjoyed his presentation so I picked up two or three of his books. …

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Seeing With the Eyes of Faith

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  At the Annunciation, Mary found out she had been chosen to be the mother of Jesus.  Mary’s reaction is not one of pride.  She does not begin to brag that she has been chosen as Jesus’ mother.  She does not expect people …

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Mary as Mother of God and New Year’s Resolutions – Homily

Mary, the Holy Mother of God Numbers 6:22-27 Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8 Galatians 4:4-7 Luke 2:16-21 January 1, 2018 January 1st is associated with various things.  In our secular society, it is the beginning of the new calendar year.  The beginning of a “new” year is seen as an opportunity to make changes with …

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Honoring Mary, Mother of God at Christmas – Homily

Mary, the Holy Mother of God Numbers 6:22-27 Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8 Galatians 4:4-7 Luke 2:16-21 January 1, 2017 One week ago we celebrated Christmas day but our Christmas season continues until next week.  Today marks the eighth day of Christmas and on eighth day, we celebrate Mary in her role as Mother of …

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The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Today, August 15th, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  Normally it would be a Holy Day of Obligation but since it falls on a Saturday this year, it is not a day of obligation, but it is still an important day. The gospel reading for today is the story …

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