Saint Edith Stein

Dear Parishioners,

Next Tuesday, August 15, we celebrate The Feast of The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The following are teachings about Mary found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church:

Mary, Mother of Christ, Mother of the Church

In what sense is the Blessed Virgin Mary the Mother of the Church?

The Blessed Virgin Mary is the Mother of the Church in the order of grace because she gave birth to Jesus, the Son of God, Head of the body which is the Church. When he was dying on the cross, Jesus gave his mother to his disciple with the words, ‘Behold, your mother” (John 19:27)

How does the Virgin Mary help the Church?

After the Ascension of her Son, the Virgin Mary aided the beginnings of the Church with her prayers. Even after her Assumption into heaven, she continues to intercede for her children, to be a model of faith and charity for all, and to exercise over them a salutary influence deriving from the superabundant merits of Christ. The faithful see in Mary an image and an anticipation of the resurrection that awaits them and they invoke her as advocate, helper, benefactress and mediatrix.

What kind of devotion is directed to the holy Virgin?

It is a singular kind of devotion which differs essentially from the cult of adoration given only to the Most Holy Trinity. This special veneration to Mary finds particular expression in the liturgical feasts dedicated to the Mother of God and in Marian prayers such as the holy Rosary which is a compendium of the whole Gospel.

In what way is the Blessed Virgin Mary the eschatological icon of the Church?

Looking upon Mary, who is completely holy and already glorified in body and soul, the Church contemplates in her what she herself is called to be on earth and what she will be in the homeland of heaven.

God bless us all!
Fr. Citino

 

Prayer to Saint Edith Stein

Dear Sister Teresa Benedicta of the Cross,
Child of the Day of Atonement-
Yom Kippur,
Daughter of Abraham,
Bride of Christ,
Seeker of truth,
Scholar of the Church,
Handmaid of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel,
Servant of the Suffering Servant,
Presence of mercy,
Victim of victimizers,
Embracer of the cross of Christ-like love,
Martyr of Auschwitz,
Imitator of Jesus,
Conqueror of evil,
Friend of God, Edith,
Please pray for me.

Please intercede for this petition of mine.
(Here, mention your petition).

Saint Edith Stein,
Sister Teresa Benedicta of the Cross,
Pray for us.
Amen.