Post date: May 23, 2013 11:26:40 AM
“the Mother of Jesus, in the glory which she possesses in body and soul in heaven, is the image and beginning of the Church as it is to be perfected in the world to come. Likewise she shines forth on earth, until the day of the Lord shall come, a sign of certain hope and comfort to the pilgrim People of God.”
(from the Vatican II document, Lumen Gentium, as quoted by the Catechism of the Catholic Church, page 222 )
The Church encourages devotion to Our Lady, so that we might become closer to her Son. In many of the Icons and paintings, such as the beautiful Polish picture near St. Joseph’s side altar, Mary points away from herself and towards Jesus. The Feast of the Visitation (31st May) is the last feast day during the month of May, when we commemorate the joyous meeting between Mary and her cousin Elizabeth and hear the first “Magnificat:” a song of joy that is recited every day as part of the Evening Prayer of the Church.
The next Year of Faith discussion at St Hugh’s will take place on Saturday, 22nd June, from immediately after 10am Mass until 12 noon.
Bishop Malcolm’s theme for June is: The Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist.
Forty hours of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament (Fri 31st May to Sat 1st June)
The five churches of the Lincoln Catholic Deanery will take part in the devotion of
Quarant’ore (Latin for 40 hours) next weekend. St Peter and St Paul’s parishioners start with adoration from 6am to 6pm on 31st May, followed by Our Lady and St Peter’s Woodhall Spa from 6-8pm. Our Lady of Lincoln’s parishioners take up the night watch from 8pm on Friday to 8am Saturday, then Holy Rood, Market Rasen from 8-10am. St Hugh’s has the final 12 hours from 10am-10pm on Sat 1st June. Let us all try to spend some time in front of the Blessed Sacrament during this Year of Faith. We need to remember that we should not do all the
talking – it is good to sit quietly and listen, as well.