Dear Friends of Our Lady,

In the midst of the season of Lent, when we think of all that Jesus did for us in His passion, death, and resurrection, we celebrate two great feasts - March 19, St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus, husband of Mary, and Patron of the Universal Church. Go to St. Joseph and you will advance in your love of God at a very quick pace.

There is also another feast on March 25, the Annunciation, of our Blessed Mother. I would like to say a few words about the feast. The angel Gabriel was sent by God to a Virgin, Mary by name, who was engaged to St. Joseph. The angel told her she would conceive and have a son. She was to name Him Jesus and His kingdom would have no end. Mary asked, "How can this be since I do not know man? I am a Virgin." The angel said, "the power of the Most High will overshadow you. The child to be born will be the Son of God". The angel further assured her that Elizabeth, her cousin, had conceived a child in her old age. Nothing is impossible to God. Mary then said, "Let it be done to me as you say".

At these words the angel left her and Jesus took form in her womb. By Mary's yes, our redemption began. Mary gave to Jesus His human nature. She was the new Ark of the Covenant.

By Mary's yes, Jesus became one of us. He was a divine person with two natures; human & divine. He went hungry, became tired, and He felt pain; physical and emotional. He lived our human condition in everything except that He did not sin. By Mary's yes - Jesus became man and lived among us. Look up to Mary who is our Mother and the Queen of heaven and earth. She wants us to be more like Jesus. Give your heart to her and she will fill it with Jesus' love. The more you love Mary, the more you will love Jesus.

Be a child of Mary and she will make you a son/daughter of the Father, Son & Holy Spirit.