eucharistic holy hour guide for...

“Teach my People to Pray”

MOST REVEREND DAVID L. RICKEN, DD, JCL BISHOP OF GREEN BAY

Eucharistic Holy

Hour Guide for Parishes

SERVICES FOR MARCH – MAY 2015

Introduction ..................................................................................................... 3

Holy Hour structure.................................................................................... 4

Monthly Themes ................................................................................................ 4

Preparing for the Holy Hour ............................................................... 5

Order of the Eucharistic Holy Hour ............................................. 7

Monthly Readings / Selections .......................................................... 21

Eucharistic Holy Hour Guide for Parishes

SERVICES FOR MARCH - MAY 2015

Introduction “In my pastoral letter of 2011, Green Bay Parishes: Called to be Holy, Fully Engaged, Fully Alive, I explained that since the world “has become very secularized and is losing sight of God, it is incredibly important for all of us who are members of the church to help to satisfy the great hunger for holiness and for meaning in life through spirituality… We need to make space for Christ in our minds and in our hearts which are often too cluttered. We need to make space for the gift which is Jesus Christ himself for ‘Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever’ (Hebrews 13:8)” – Bishop Ricken, Disciples on the Way In union with all parishes within the Diocese of Green Bay, in accordance with the expectations of Bishop Ricken within “Teach My People to Pray”, all parish sites are to provide the faithful with an opportunity for a Eucharistic Holy Hour which follows the protocol and intentions provided in this Guide to be implemented after the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, on November 30, 2014. Through this effort, we join as brothers and sisters in Christ within the Diocesan community as the Church of Green Bay in order to grow in prayer and holiness together. In doing so, we actively seek to open our hearts to ongoing conversion towards Christ in order to more passionately respond to the present call of the New Evangelization to truly know, love, and share Jesus with others. Parish leadership should take time to carefully determine the best time and day for implementation within each unique parish environment in order to inspire active participation from the local community.

Holy Hour Structure

Welcome / Introduction Entrance of the Ministers and Chant (O Salutaris Hostia / O Saving Victim) Exposition & [First Incensation]* Greeting Opening Prayer Readings / Sacred Silence / Litany of the Holy Eucharist Reflection (Optional) Intercessions Lord’s Prayer Chant (Tantum Ergo/ Down In Adoration Falling) & [Second Incensation]* [Benediction]* Divine Praises Reposition Recessional (Holy God We Praise Thy Name or other hymn of praise)

*Priest or Deacon only

Monthly THEMES March ..................................................................................... Lent / Repentance April ................................................................................................... Easter / Joy May ........................................................................................ Blessed Virgin Mary

Preparing for the holy Hour

Who may minister at the Eucharistic Holy Hour? The Parish’s Pastor, Administrator, Sacramental Minister, or Deacon is the ordinary minister for the Eucharistic Holy Hour. Deacons are especially encouraged to lead the monthly Holy Hour. The extraordinary minister of the Holy Hour is the Pastoral Leader. If this is not possible, a lay minister may preside, preferably an Instituted Acolyte, a commissioned Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, or Pastoral Associate. If a lay minister presides, the incensation at the Exposition and the Benediction are omitted.

What is needed for Solemn Exposition of the Holy Eucharist? All parishes should have available the following liturgical items: • Cope/Humeral Veil (Priest/Deacon only) • Alb (Lay Leaders) • Incense / Thurible (if needed) • Corporal • Monstrance • 4 or 6 Candles at the Altar • Copy of the Order for Service • Prayers and songs for recitation by the faithful

(available in most Missalettes)

Is there a specific timeframe for the Eucharistic Holy Hour? The Holy Hour may take place at any reasonable time during the day or evening. If the parish already has hours of exposition, this monthly Holy Hour is to take place distinctly in a location and time that would allow large numbers of the faithful to attend. The monthly Holy Hour is to follow the specially prescribed format for this service.

Can we join with another Parish in their Eucharistic Holy Hour? Each Parish should host their own Eucharistic Holy Hour. Where there are two or more Parishes that are linked, it is desirable to have the Holy Hour at each individual Parish. Where there is one Parish with multiple worship sites, a specific site should be selected for the Holy Hour, perhaps on a rotating basis.

How can we best communicate the Holy Hour to our Parishioners? Consider communicating the Holy Hour via: • Parish Bulletin / Bulletin Insert • Diocesan Posters (Given to each parish to fill in with times/locations) • Social Media / Website • Announcements • Invitations through Religious Education / Catholic Schools • Announcements at other Parish events • Personal Invitation Do we need designated music ministers for the Holy Hour? While it is highly desirable to find music ministers to assist with the music of the Holy Hour, it is not necessary to have designated ministers to do so. If there are no music ministers available, the presiding minister or designated person should be prepared to lead Tantum Ergo/ Down In Adoration Falling and O Salutaris Hostia/ O Saving Victim. Who do we contact with questions regarding the Holy Hour? Questions regarding the Eucharistic Holy Hour can be directed to: Clare Sturm Department of Worship [email protected] 920-272-8311 or toll free 877-500-3580 (ext. 8311)

or

Julianne Stanz Department of New Evangelization [email protected] 920-272-8276 or toll free 877-500-3580 (ext. 8276)

Order of Eucharistic Holy Hour

Welcome / Introduction to Prayer

The presiding minister or another designated minister approaches the ambo and greets the assembled faithful in these or other words: Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening: Welcome to (insert parish name) and our Monthly Holy Hour of Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament as part of the Diocese of Green Bay’s “Teach My People to Pray” initiatives, focusing on Formation in Prayer and Holiness. We gather in the presence of Christ truly present Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity, in the Blessed Sacrament, to pray for the work of the New Evangelization, the proclaiming of the Christ’s Gospel of joy to all, within our parish, our diocese, and our world. We recognize that through prayer and the strengthening of our personal relationship and communication with Jesus Christ, we may come to know better the Lord ourselves, in order to share His Gospel with our family, friends, and with those we meet as intentional ‘disciples on the way’. During this Holy Hour, after exposing the Blessed Sacrament we will spend time in silence and reflection on three passages related to this month’s theme of (insert theme from Page 4). As you reflect on the words from Sacred Scripture, from the Saints, Popes, and others writings of our Church, please allow the Holy Spirit to direct your mind and heart in listening to the call of Jesus Christ as we form our lives of prayer and discipleship. Jesus teaches us to pray as we look upon Him and He gazes at us. We will then offer our petitions, especially for the intentions of our Holy Father Pope Francis, our Bishop David Ricken, and those of our own local and diocesan community, before closing in prayer together.

At this time, please kneel as we expose the Blessed Sacrament and sing together O Salutaris Hostia / O Saving Victim, found (insert location in missalette/hymnal). Please kneel or prayerfully be seated as we enter into this time of prayer and encounter with our Lord.

Entrance of the Ministers & Chant

The presiding minister, accompanied by other ministers if present, enter the Sanctuary and genuflect to the Tabernacle (or if the Tabernacle is not located in the Sanctuary profoundly bow to the Altar) before either going to their assigned seats or kneeling before the Altar. O Salutaris Hostia / O Saving Victim is to be sung in either Latin or English:

Exposition & Incensation

The presiding minister goes to the Tabernacle, genuflects, removes the Blessed Sacrament, brings it to the Altar, and places it in the monstrance turned towards the faithful.

If a Priest or Deacon, kneel before the altar and incense the Holy Eucharist. Musical accompaniment should continue, if possible, until the incensation is concluded. If the Pastoral Leader or a Lay Minister, go directly to the Greeting and Opening Prayer Greeting

PRESIDER: (Priest/Deacon Only): The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. ℟: And with your spirit or PRESIDER: Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great mercy gave us new birth into a living hope by resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Blessed be God for ever

℟: Blessed be God for ever.

Opening Prayer

PRESIDER: Let us pray [that the Church of Jesus Christ may remain faithful to its mission.]

(brief pause)

Almighty and eternal God, in Christ your Son you have shown your glory to the world. Guide the work of your Church: help it proclaim your name, to persevere in faith and to bring salvation to people everywhere. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

℟: Amen. or PRESIDER: Let us pray [that Christ, the Bread of Life, will satisfy our human hungers.]

(brief pause)

Father in heaven, you have made us for yourself; our hearts are restless until they rest in you. Fulfill this longing through Jesus, the Bread of Life, so that we may witness to him who alone satisfies the hungers of the human family. By the power of your Spirit lead us to the heavenly where we may feast on the vision of your glory for ever and ever.

℟: Amen.

Readings & Sacred Silence

During this time, the presiding minister and/or a designated reader should present the first two readings from Sacred Scripture, quotes, and other material throughout the time of adoration found starting on page 21 for the corresponding month. Only these selections should be utilized. There should be approximately a 8 - 10 minute break between the selections. Following the second selection, the minister should kneel before the Blessed Sacrament to lead the Litany of the Holy Eucharist Litany Of the Holy Eucharist

Together let us pray the Litany of the Holy Eucharist. (pause) Lord, have mercy Lord, have mercy Christ, have mercy Christ, have mercy Lord, have mercy Lord, have mercy Please respond ‘Have Mercy on Us’: Jesus, the Most High have mercy on us Jesus, the holy One have mercy on us Jesus, Word of God have mercy on us Jesus, only Son of the Father have mercy on us Jesus, Son of Mary have mercy on us Jesus, crucified for us have mercy on us Jesus, risen from the dead have mercy on us Jesus, reigning in glory have mercy on us Jesus, coming in glory have mercy on us Jesus, our Lord have mercy on us Jesus, our hope have mercy on us Jesus, our peace have mercy on us Jesus, our Savior have mercy on us Jesus, our salvation have mercy on us Jesus, our resurrection have mercy on us

Jesus, Judge of all have mercy on us Jesus, Lord of the Church have mercy on us Jesus, Lord of creation have mercy on us Jesus, Lover of all have mercy on us Jesus, life of the world have mercy on us Jesus, freedom for the imprisoned have mercy on us Jesus, joy of the sorrowing have mercy on us Jesus, giver of the Spirit have mercy on us Jesus, giver of good gifts have mercy on us Jesus, source of new life have mercy on us Jesus, Lord of life have mercy on us Jesus, eternal high priest have mercy on us Jesus, priest and victim have mercy on us Jesus, true Shepherd have mercy on us Jesus, true Light have mercy on us Jesus, bread of heaven have mercy on us Jesus, bread of life have mercy on us Jesus, bread of thanksgiving have mercy on us Jesus, life-giving bread have mercy on us Jesus, holy manna have mercy on us Jesus, new covenant have mercy on us Jesus, food for everlasting life have mercy on us Jesus, food for our journey have mercy on us Jesus, holy banquet have mercy on us Jesus, true sacrifice have mercy on us Jesus, perfect sacrifice have mercy on us Jesus, eternal sacrifice have mercy on us Jesus, divine Victim have mercy on us Jesus, Mediator of the new covenant have mercy on us Jesus, mystery of the altar have mercy on us Jesus, medicine of immortality have mercy on us Jesus, pledge of eternal glory have mercy on us

Jesus, Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world have mercy on us Jesus, Bearer of our sins, you take away the sins of the world have mercy on us Jesus, Redeemer of the world, you take away the sins of the world have mercy on us Please repeat: Christ, hear us Christ, hear us Christ, graciously hear us Christ, graciously hear us Lord Jesus, hear our prayer Lord Jesus, hear our prayer. Let us pray.

(brief pause)

Lord our God, in this great sacrament we come into the presence of Jesus Christ, your Son, born of the Virgin Mary and crucified for our salvation. May we who declare our faith in this fountain of love and mercy drink from it the water of everlasting life.

℟: Amen.

Following the Litany, the minister should return to their place for the third reading/selection.

Final Reading & Sacred Silence

The presiding minister and/or a designated reader should present the final selection of the readings from Sacred Scripture, quotes, and other material throughout the time of adoration found starting on page 21 for the corresponding month. Only this selections should be utilized. There should be approximately an 8 - 10 minute break following the reading. Reflection (Optional)

The presiding minister may at this time present a 3-5 minute reflection on the monthly theme and selections.

Intercessions

PRESIDER: Let us kneel or remain seated. Deacon, presiding minister, or other minister leads the prepared intentions: Our hope is in God, who gives us help. Let us call on the Lord as we pray:

℟: Lord, Hear our Prayer. or ℟: Strengthen us Lord. For the Church throughout the world, that the New Evangelization may be a time of spiritual renewal and personal encounter with Christ for people everywhere; we pray to the Lord…

℟: Lord, Hear our Prayer. or ℟: Strengthen us Lord. For world leaders, that they might find ways to bring an end to war and violence, and promote peace and development for all nations; we pray to the Lord…

℟: Lord, Hear our Prayer. or ℟: Strengthen us Lord.

For those who suffer injustice, that they may receive the grace necessary to persevere in Christ and that we courageously respond to their needs; we pray to the Lord…

℟: Lord, Hear our Prayer. or ℟: Strengthen us Lord. Bishop Ricken’s Intention:

March 2015: That during this time of repentance we turn to Christ present in Sacred Scripture and allow His Word to transform our hearts to a life of holiness; we pray to the Lord… April 2015: That the joy of Christ’s Resurrection consume us and inspire us to intentionally share the Good News of salvation with those we encounter; we pray to the Lord… May 2015: That Mary, the Star of the New Evangelization, may guide us by her example of holiness towards knowing, loving, and sharing the message of her Son; we pray to the Lord… ℟: Lord, Hear our Prayer. or ℟: Strengthen us Lord.

Pope Francis’ Universal Intention:

March 2015: That those involved in scientific research may serve the well-being of the whole human person; we pray to the Lord… April 2015: That people may learn to respect creation and care for it as a gift of God; we pray to the Lord… May 2015: That, rejecting the culture of indifference, we may care for our neighbors who suffer, especially the sick and the poor; we pray to the Lord… ℟: Lord, Hear our Prayer. or ℟: Strengthen us Lord.

Pope Francis’ Evangelization Intention:

March 2015: That the unique contribution of women to the life of the Church may be recognized always; we pray to the Lord… April 2015: That persecuted Christians may feel the consoling presence of the Risen Lord and the solidarity of all the Church; we pray to the Lord… May 2015: That Mary’s intercession may help Christians in secularized cultures be ready to proclaim Jesus; we pray to the Lord… ℟: Lord, Hear our Prayer. or ℟: Strengthen us Lord.

Lord’s Prayer

PRESIDER: Remember us Lord when you come into your kingdom and teach us to pray:

℟: Our Father…

PRESIDER: Together we will now sing Tantum Ergo / Down in Adoration Falling found (insert location in missalette/hymnal).

Incensation & CHANT

If incense is used, the Priest or Deacon kneels before the altar and again incenses the Holy Eucharist. Meanwhile, Tantum Ergo / Down in Adoration Falling is to be sung in either English or Latin (it is appropriate to adjust the accompaniment depending upon the time of the Liturgical Year). Prayer

PRESIDER: You have given them Bread from heaven

℟: Having within it all Sweetness

PRESIDER: Lord Jesus Christ, you gave us the Eucharist as the memorial of your suffering and death. May our worship of this sacrament of your body and blood help us to experience the salvation you won for us and the peace of the kingdom where you live with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. ℟: Amen.

______________________________________________________________

Eucharistic Blessing (Priest / Deacon ONLY) The presiding minister, if a Priest or Deacon, dons the humeral veil and goes to the altar and the Blessed Sacrament. He genuflects, takes the monstrance, and makes the sign of the cross with it over the people in silence. He then replaces the monstrance on the altar, genuflects, and returns to the front of the Altar to kneel. A lay presiding minister may not minister the blessing with the Eucharist or conduct a blessing / ritual action in its place. The Order of the Holy Hour should move, instead, from the preceding Prayer directly to the Divine Praises. ______________________________________________________________ Divine Praises

The presiding minister then leads the faithful in the recitation of the Divine Praises: PRESIDER: The Divine Praises:

℟: Blessed be God. Blessed be his Holy Name. Blessed be Jesus Christ true God and true Man. Blessed be the Name of Jesus. Blessed be his most Sacred Heart. Blessed be his most Precious Blood. Blessed be Jesus in the most Holy Sacrament of the Altar. Blessed be the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete. Blessed be the great Mother of God, Mary most holy. Blessed be her holy and Immaculate Conception. Blessed be her glorious Assumption. Blessed be the name of Mary, Virgin and Mother. Blessed be St. Joseph, her most chaste spouse. Blessed be God in his angels and in his saints.

Reposition The presiding minister then genuflects, removes the Blessed Sacrament from the monstrance and places it in the tabernacle, and genuflects again. Once the tabernacle is closed, all stand. PRESIDER: Please stand as we conclude this Holy Hour with the singing of Holy God We Praise Thy Name (or another appropriate hymn), found (insert location in missalette/hymnal). RECESSIONAL

The song Holy God, We Praise Thy Name (or another appropriate hymn of praise) is then sung. During the song, the presiding minister, accompanied by other ministers if present, go before the Altar, genuflect to the Tabernacle (or if the Tabernacle is not located in the Sanctuary profoundly bow to the Altar) before exiting the Sanctuary.

Monthly Readings / Selections March ..................................................................................... Lent / Repentance

Reading: Matthew 16:21-27 (Take Up Your Cross and Follow Me) Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly from the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised. Then Peter took Jesus aside and began to rebuke him, “God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you.” He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.”

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life? For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father’s glory, and then he will repay all according to his conduct.” Selection (St. Damien of Molokai): “Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is the most tender of friends with souls who seek to please Him. His goodness knows how to proportion itself to the smallest of His creatures as to the greatest of them. Be not afraid then in your solitary conversations, to tell Him of your miseries, fears, worries, of those who are dear to you, of your projects, and of your hopes. Do so with confidence and with an open heart." Selection (Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium, 3): “I invite all Christians, everywhere, at this very moment, to a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ, or at least an openness to letting him encounter them; I ask all of you to do this unfailingly each day. No one should think that this

invitation is not meant for him or her, since “no one is excluded from the joy brought by the Lord”. The Lord does not disappoint those who take this risk; whenever we take a step towards Jesus, we come to realize that he is already there, waiting for us with open arms. Now is the time to say to Jesus: “Lord, I have let myself be deceived; in a thousand ways I have shunned your love, yet here I am once more, to renew my covenant with you. I need you. Save me once again, Lord, take me once more into your redeeming embrace”. How good it feels to come back to him whenever we are lost! Let me say this once more: God never tires of forgiving us; we are the ones who tire of seeking his mercy. Christ, who told us to forgive one another “seventy times seven” (Mt 18:22) has given us his example: he has forgiven us seventy times seven. Time and time again he bears us on his shoulders. No one can strip us of the dignity bestowed upon us by this boundless and unfailing love. With a tenderness which never disappoints, but is always capable of restoring our joy, he makes it possible for us to lift up our heads and to start anew. Let us not flee from the resurrection of Jesus, let us never give up, come what will. May nothing inspire more than his life, which impels us onwards!” April ................................................................................................... Easter / Joy

Reading: Luke 24:13-35 (The Road to Emmaus) That very day, the first day of the week, two of Jesus’ disciples were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus, and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred. And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing as you walk along?” They stopped, looking downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, said to him in reply, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know of the things that have taken place there in these days?” And he replied to them, “What sort of things?” They said to him,

“The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, how our chief priests and rulers both handed him over to a sentence of death and crucified him. But we were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel; and besides all this, it is now the third day since this took place. Some women from our group, however, have astounded us: they were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find his body; they came back and reported that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who announced that he was alive. Then some of those with us went to the tomb and found things just as the women had described, but him they did not see.” And he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the Scriptures. As they approached the village to which they were going, he gave the impression that he was going on farther. But they urged him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight. Then they said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?”

So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem where they found gathered together the eleven and those with them who were saying, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!” Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of bread. Selection (St. John Chrysostom, Easter Homily): “For the Lord is gracious and receives the last even as the first. He gives rest to him that comes at the eleventh hour, as well as to him that toiled from the first. To this one He gives, and upon another He bestows. He accepts the works as He greets the endeavor. The deed He honors and the intention He commends.

Let us all enter into the joy of the Lord! First and last alike receive your reward; rich and poor, rejoice together! Sober and slothful, celebrate the day!

You that have kept the fast, and you that have not, rejoice today for the Table is richly laden! Feast royally on it, the calf is a fatted one. Let no one go away hungry. Partake, all, of the cup of faith. Enjoy all the riches of His goodness!

Let no one grieve at his poverty, for the universal kingdom has been revealed. Let no one mourn that he has fallen again and again; for forgiveness has risen from the grave. Let no one fear death, for the Death of our Savior has set us free. He has destroyed it by enduring it.” Selection (Pope Francis, Easter ‘Urbi et Orbi’, 2014): “The Church throughout the world echoes the angel’s message to the women: “Do not be afraid! I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised… Come, see the place where he lay” (Mt 28:5-6).

This is the culmination of the Gospel, it is the Good News par excellence: Jesus, who was crucified, is risen! This event is the basis of our faith and our hope. If Christ were not raised, Christianity would lose its very meaning; the whole mission of the Church would lose its impulse, for this is the point from which it first set out and continues to set out ever anew. The message which Christians bring to the world is this: Jesus, Love incarnate, died on the cross for our sins, but God the Father raised him and made him the Lord of life and death. In Jesus, love

has triumphed over hatred, mercy over sinfulness, goodness over evil, truth over falsehood, life over death.

That is why we tell everyone: “Come and see!” In every human situation, marked by frailty, sin and death, the Good News is no mere matter of words, but a testimony to unconditional and faithful love: it is about leaving ourselves behind and encountering others, being close to those crushed by life’s troubles, sharing with the needy, standing at the side of the sick, elderly and the outcast… “Come and see!”: Love is more powerful, love gives life, love makes hope blossom in the wilderness.” May ........................................................................................ Blessed Virgin Mary

Reading: Luke 1:39-56 (Mary Visits Elizabeth / Magnificat) During those days Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” And Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed. The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him. He has shown might with his arm,

dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart. He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly. The hungry he has filled with good things; the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped Israel his servant, remembering his mercy, according to his promise to our fathers, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.” Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home. Selection (St. Bernard of Clairvaux): "In dangers, in doubts, in difficulties, think of Mary, call upon Mary. Let not her name depart from your lips, never suffer it to leave your heart. And that you may obtain the assistance of her prayer, neglect not to walk in her footsteps. With her for guide, you shall never go astray; while invoking her, you shall never lose heart; so long as she is in your mind, you are safe from deception; while she holds your hand, you cannot fall; under her protection you have nothing to fear; if she walks before you, you shall not grow weary; if she shows you favor, you shall reach the goal." Selection (Pope Francis Address for Year of Faith Marian Day, October 12, 2013): The Council says that Mary "advanced in her pilgrimage of faith" (Lumen Gentium, 58). In this way she precedes us on this pilgrimage, she accompanies and sustains us.

How was Mary's faith a journey? In the sense that her entire life was to follow her Son: he - Jesus - is the way, he is the path! To press forward in faith, to advance in the spiritual pilgrimage which is faith, is nothing other than to follow Jesus; to listen to him and be guided by his words; to see how he acts and to follow in his footsteps; to have his same sentiments. And what are these sentiments of Jesus? Humility, mercy, closeness to others, but also a firm rejection of hypocrisy, duplicity and idolatry…

Mary was always with Jesus, she followed Jesus in the midst of the crowds and she heard all the gossip and the nastiness of those who opposed the Lord. And she carried this cross! Mary's faith encountered misunderstanding and contempt. When Jesus' "hour" came, the hour of his passion, when Mary's faith was a little

flame burning in the night, a little light flickering in the darkness. Through the night of Holy Saturday, Mary kept watch. Her flame, small but bright, remained burning until the dawn of the resurrection. And when she received word that the tomb was empty, her heart was filled with the joy of faith: Christian faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Faith always brings us to joy, and Mary is the Mother of joy! May she teach us to take the path of joy, to experience this joy! That was the high point - this joy, this meeting of Jesus and Mary, and we can imagine what it was like. Their meeting was the high point of Mary's journey of faith, and that of the whole Church. What is our faith like? Like Mary, do we keep it burning even at times of difficulty, in moments of darkness? Do I feel the joy of faith?

…Mother, we thank you for our faith, the faith of a strong and humble woman; we renew our entrustment to you, Mother of our faith. Amen.”

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Excerpts from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC. Used with permission. All rights reserved. No portion of this text may be reproduced by any means without permission in writing from the copyright owner. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on the Liturgy. Order for the Solemn Exposition of the Holy Eucharist. Collegeville, MN: The Order of St. Benedict, Inc., 1993. Michael Poradek, Editor

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