Our Patroness
theophilus December 8th, 2008
In these uncertain times, it is comforting to have a day like today – the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
Mary, as Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, is the Patroness of the United States. It still comes as a surprise to many, but today is a Holy Day of Obligation. It should be a day of great celebration and devotion, especially considering the choppy waters through which we are sailing.
I carry around this prayer card from the Franciscan Friars of Marytown. On the front is a painting of Mary, twelve stars surrounding her head, looking over the Statue of Liberty and the American flag. It is a poignant reminder that she is the protector of our land and wants only the best for us.
Marytown is the National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe, who had a great devotion to Mary. He founded the Militia of the Immaculata to “encourage total consecration to the Blessed Virgin Mary as a means of spiritual renewal for individuals and society” (from the Marytown website).
Whether it’s formally or just in our hearts, we need to consecrate ourselves and our nation to Mary. We need to place our trust in her hands, ask her to pray for us, intercede for us, protect us, help us. We need to emulate her complete faith in our Father and her unwavering devotion to her son. Like her, we need to do God’s will without hesitation. Like her, we need to lead lives apart from sin, with humble and selfless service to others.
The Marytown Friars have a prayer on their prayer card. It’s a good prayer for today.
Immaculate Conception, Patroness of our Nation.
God our Father, you guide everything in wisdom and love. Accept the prayers we offer for our nation; by the wisdom of our leaders and the integrity of our citizens, may harmony and justice be secured and may there be lasting prosperity and peace. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Mary Immaculate, Patroness of America, guide the destiny of our nation. Amen.
