“Mary, who sustained the faith and prayer of the first community of apostles, remains for us, as she was for our foundress, both mother and model.” Constitution No. 25
Psalm – Psalm 113: 1-8
Antiphon: Blessed be the name of the Lord for ever.
Praise you servants of the Lord,
Praise the name of the Lord.
Blessed be the name of the Lord
both now and forever.
From the rising to the setting of the sun
is the name of the Lord to be praised.
High above all nations is the Lord;
Above the heavens is God’s glory.
Who is like the Lord, our God, who is enthroned on high
and looks upon the heavens and the earth below?
The Lord raises up the lowly from the dust;
from the dunghill he lifts up the poor
to seat them with princes,
with the princes of God's own people.
Reflection – Travels of Mother Cabrini pp. 203 – 204
Mary is the Mother of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, who has for her scope the sublime mission of instructing her people in the knowledge and love of our divine Redeemer…Mary lived more in God than in herself. She was more where she loved than where she lived…her will fully conformed to the Divine Will…I should be happy if I could raise your hearts and souls towards Mary, and infuse in you a strong hope, a firm trust and a true devotion to that sweet and most loving Mother. When your weakness tempts you, run to Mary…if you are in danger, if your hearts are confused, turn to Mary; she is our comfort, our help; turn towards her and you will be saved. Follow her, and you will not mistake the road that leads to heaven, for Mary is the Gate of Heaven…
Psalm - Psalm 45:11-17
Antiphon: Listen to me, daughter: see and bend your ear.
Hear, O daughter, and see: turn your ear,
forget your people and your father’s house.
So shall the king desire your beauty;
for he is your Lord, and you must worship him.
All glorious is the king’s daughter as she enters;
her raiment is threaded with spun gold.
In embroidered apparel she is borne in to the king;
Behind her the virgins of her train are brought to you.
They are borne in with gladness and joy;
they enter the palace of the king.
The place of your fathers your sons shall have;
you shall make them princes through all the land.
Reading: Luke 1: 26-35
Quiet and Shared Reflection
Magnificat
Antiphon: The Lord God Most High has blessed you, Virgin Mary, above all the women of the earth.
Spontaneous Intercessions
Response: Mary, full of grace, intercede for us.
Closing Prayer
The image of the Virgin is found in the Church. Mary had a faith that your Spirit
prepared and a love that never knew sin. Trace in our actions the lines of her love, in our
hearts her readiness of faith. We ask this through out Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives
and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.