A Prayer of Pope Francis

Mary, Virgin and Mother,
you who, moved by the Holy Spirit,
welcomed the word of life
in the depths of your humble faith:
as you gave yourself completely to the Eternal One,
help us to say our own 'yes'
to the urgent call, as pressing as ever,
to proclaim the good news of Jesus.

Filled with Christ's presence,
you brought joy to John the Baptist,
making him exult in the womb of his mother.
Brimming over with joy,
you sang of the great things done by God.

Standing at the foot of the cross,
with unyielding faith,
you received the joyful comfort of the resurrection,
and joined the disciples in awaiting the Spirit
so that the evangelizing Church might be born.

Obtain for us now a new ardor born of the resurrection,
that we may bring to all the Gospel of Life
which triumphs over death.
Give us a holy courage to seek new paths,
that the gift of unfading beauty may reach
every man and woman.

Virgin of listening and contemplation,
Mother of love, Bride of the eternal wedding feast,
pray for the Church,
whose pure icon you are,
that she may never be closed in on herself
or lose her passion for establishing God's kingdom.

Star of the new evangelization,
help us to bear radiant witness
to communion, service, ardent and generous faith,
justice and love of the poor,
that the joy of the Gospel may reach to the ends of the earthy,
illuminating even the fringes of our world.

Mother of the living Gospel,
wellspring of happiness for God's little ones, pray for us!
Amen! Alleluia!
(Source: Evangelii Gaudium, 288)

St. Juan Diego is model of lay evangelist says Mexican cardinal

St. Juan Diego is model of lay evangelist says Mexican cardinal

Echoes of St. Francis of Assisi and his evangelization entered as I read this article. St. Francis always submitted to his bishop, and then, in starting his order, to the pope. The comments about St Juan Diego and his releationship with his bishop remind me of our relationship with the Pope, who has been teaching and clarifying the position of the church.

Juan Diego's obediance to our lady and the church as personified in the bishop speak volumes of his love for Jesus. And the miracle that blessed him is an echo through history that God will bless us he will not abandon us, he will provide for us and provide abundantly.

It is said that if you look with a microscope into the eyes of our lady's image on the tilma, that the images of those present can be seen in those eyes. Just as we are always present in the eyes of God, in an eternal gaze of love.

May St. Juan Diego and our lady keep us in prayer before our Lord. May he steady our steps in walking the path set before us and so enter our eternal reward.