O Mary! We crown thee with blossoms today,Queen of the Angels, Queen of the May!
These lyrics are a familiar component of the annual May Crowning, the Marian devotion which takes place in many parishes around the time when we celebrate Mother’s Day. This rite is one traditional aspect of the dedication of the month of May to Mary, the Mother of God, and also our Mother.
“Recognize it or not, our life on earth is a warfare (see CCC, 409), and every day and age from the beginning of time tells the story of dour combat with diabolic forces, a war between good and evil. This battle originated in the heavens before the dawn of humanity but was not confined there. It spilled onto the earth, placing all generations of humanity in a perpetual
state of general quarters.”
– Johnnette S. Benkovic and Thomas K. Sullivan
Today's Reflection
How do I struggle with good and evil in my life? In what ways can I combat evil by prayer of the Rosary, fasting, and almsgiving?
The Planned Parenthood clinic where Pennsylvania state Rep. Brian Sims claimed to be defending women by harassing pro-life protestors has a history of state health and safety violations.
How could a lawmaker who calls himself a "champion of women" do so after filming himself harassing women who were peacefully praying outside of a Philadelphia Planned Parenthood clinic? So asked Philadelphia's Archbishop Charles J. Chaput in a hard-hitting statement wherein he called the outrageous conduct of Rep. Brian Sims (D) “unbecoming of an elected official.”
JR writes: “Do you have any information on a Friar Elias of the Grace Mercy Order who is claiming to receive messages or "transmissions" from Our Lady? It seems there is no oversight of a superior, there is no investigation ... nothing. He is all over YouTube.”