“Open wide … “

A Rosary Meditation: The Third Glorious Mystery, The Descent of the Holy Spirit.

“And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak of the wonderful works of God.” Acts 2:4,11.

Ever been to a doctor? Silly question, we all have. Well, on the off chance you can answer that question with a no don’t worry. I’ve been often enough that you’re covered. Doctor visits are all pretty much the same unless its an emergency. But if its just your normal run of the mill visit it keeps to a fairly constant pattern. You get weighed, you might get your height measured, they take your blood pressure, and then the doctor raps you across the knee with that little hammer (I remember one doctor pulling his hammer back, getting ready to strike, and the hammer head flew off.), he shines a light in your ears, takes a tongue depressor and says, “Say ahhhh.”

We have a Great Physician, don’t we? Its advisable to go to Him for regular checkups. But that’s another post. Right now we’ll just concentrate on our Great Physician and us saying ahhhh.

The believers there on that first day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came, were filled with that same Spirit. The Spirit of God. What happened next? They began to tell others about the wonderful works of God, didn’t they? They opened their mouths and out poured the witness of God’s love for humanity. They had no choice. They were driven by that same love.

When my doctor tells me to say “Ahhhh” I don’t really have a lot of choice in the matter. If this relationship with my M.D. is going to work as it should I need to open my mouth. (My doctor has never had a problem getting me to open wide. His problem is getting me to shut it.) We have a relationship with the Greatest Physician. When we’re cooperative we don’t really have much choice in what comes next. Oh, I know people can always stifle God in their lives or turn away from Him. I’m not talking about that. I’m talking about people who are willingly under His influence. What comes next? We open our mouths. We have to. There’s to much that’s good that we have to share. Just like those believers at Pentecost way back then.

“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth that which is evil. For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” Luke 6:45, Douay-Rheims.

Just a thought … When you go to your doctor and he says to say ahhhh why would you keep your mouth shut? Why would we keep it shut when there is so much of God’s goodness to share?

“Be ye always ready”

A Rosary Meditation: The First Glorious Mystery, The Resurrection.

“At early dawn, they came to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared.” Luke 24:1.

“Be ye always ready” is the motto of the Knights of the Round Table. Its from this motto that the Boy Scouts got “Be prepared”. And then there was my Grandmother’s version of always being prepared that was based on the reality of the Great Depression rather than Camelot. “Its better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it”. And all of these have their time and place in life.

The folks coming to the tomb that first Easter Sunday morning were ready, weren’t they? They brought the things necessary to give Jesus a proper burial. With the fast approach of the Sabbath there hadn’t been time Friday. But now? They were ready. They didn’t know yet that these things weren’t needed. They were doing the next right thing, certainly. They were doing the best they could with what they had. But they were doing it without full knowledge. That was OK. The knowledge was coming.

Its important for us to always be ready. As ready as we can be given our own lack of perfect knowledge. We don’t always have all the details about any given situation, do we? But its still important to do the best we can with what we’ve got. Like Christ’s parable about the servants who were each given a talent of gold by their master before he went on a journey. Two did the best they could with what they had and were rewarded accordingly. The other servant, the one who didn’t do anything with his talent, well, he got anything but a reward.

What happened to those folks that Easter morning? Were they rewarded? Certainly. They were the first to have a part in the miracle of the resurrection weren’t they? They didn’t understand it all but they were prepared and they experienced a miracle as a result. A miracle that far outweighed their preparation. But there were a few others there that morning. There were the guards at the tomb. Were they ready, do you think? And their reward was? We’ve leave that. Its ultimately between them and God. Because we don’t have full knowledge and can’t say.

If we do the best we can with our talents and limited knowledge we can rest contentedly. We don’t need to know what’s in store for us. God’s got that covered.

“His lord said to him: Well done, good and faithful servant: because thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will place thee over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” Matthew 25:23, Douay-Rheims.

Just a thought … Its important to be ready in God’s service. Like those going to the tomb that Easter morning and like the servants in the parable were ready without knowing when their master would return. They didn’t know it all. We don’t either. But they were ready and rewarded. This is Lent. Its a time to get ready. In some ways our lives ought to be a perpetual Lent. And we’ll be surprised in the end by the generosity of God. Being ready can be the beginning of our miracle.

The Fiftieth Day

A Rosary Meditation: The Third Glorious Mystery, The Descent of the Holy Spirit.

“When the days of Pentecost were drawing to a close, they were all gathered together in one place.” Acts 2:1.

The word Pentecost comes to us via Middle English, from Old English pentecosten, from the Late Latin pentecoste, from the Greek word pentēkostē, which literally means “fiftieth day”, from pentēkostos fiftieth, from pentēkonta fifty, from penta- + -konta (akin to Latin viginti twenty). Short version: Pentecost means fifty days.

Jesus had told his faithful few to wait for the gift of the Holy Spirit and they did. Can you imagine what that must’ve been like? You’re told to wait. OK, wait for how long? A week? A month? Years? These people had not the slightest glimmer of an idea. But they waited anyway. Obedience.

From the Rule of St. Benedict, chapter 5: “The first degree of humility is obedience without delay. This is the virtue of those who hold nothing dearer to them than Christ; who, because of the holy service they have professed, and the fear of hell, and the glory of life everlasting, as soon as anything has been ordered by the Superior, receive it as a divine command and cannot suffer any delay in executing it. Of these the Lord says, “As soon as he heard, he obeyed Me” (Ps. 17[18]:45). And again to teachers He says, “He who hears you, hears Me” (Luke 10:16).” There’s some more to the chapter. You might like to Google it.

Obedience regardless. It takes a lot of faith and trust. It takes a lot of love to be willing to wait, not knowing for how long. What do you think it was like at the end of week one? Or after twenty seven days? Or on the thirty ninth? Did anyone murmur? Was there fear or discontent? Did faith waver? Did Peter want to get back to his nets and boat and just go fishing? Maybe some of this, maybe all of this, maybe none of this. Any answer we come up with regarding these people and what their thoughts or attitudes may have been probably tells us more about ourselves than it does them. But whatever may or may not have happened they waited anyway, didn’t they?

Sometimes we’re faced with a “something”, it doesn’t matter what it is so you can pick one, that requires us to wait. Its hard. A child on Christmas eve wants morning NOW so they can unwrap their gifts. It doesn’t matter how hard they want they still have to wait. And sometimes so do we. So there’s obedience and patience as well. Its not an easy combination to muster. But its going to be that way, the wait will be there no matter what, so we may as well take a shot at being obedient and patient.

If the folks back then had given up in disgust on, oh, lets say the forty ninth day, where would God’s Church be now? Where would we?

“Be you therefore also patient, and strengthen your hearts: for the coming of the Lord is at hand.” James 5:8, Douay-Rheims.

Just a thought … Don’t give up before the wait is over. The disciples waited and experienced the miracle of Pentecost. Don’t miss your miracle.

The Gift that keeps on giving …

A Rosary Meditation: The Third Glorious Mystery, The Descent of the Holy Spirit.

“And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they began to speak with divers tongues, according as the Holy Ghost gave them to speak.” Acts 2:4, Douay-Rheims.

And for the record nothing has changed. Nearly 2,000 years ago, on that first Pentecost Sunday, God sent His Holy Spirit to lead and guide the Body of Christ, His Church. ( “Church” singular, for those who miss that point.) Through all of the centuries after that day, the Church’s Birth Day, He has kept Her and guided Her. That means He has kept and guided us, you and me. And all of the “yous” and “mes” over all those centuries.

Paul said there would be a revolt. “Let no man deceive you by any means, for unless there come a revolt first, and the man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition … ” 2 Thessalonians 2:3. And Arius, along with the antichrist doctrine concerning Christ and his being only a man with God in him (See 1 John 4:3.) was revealed for what he was. And God’s Church survived, stronger for the battle.

Governments, from Rome to Great Britain, France and Mexico, some of these governments governing peoples predominately Catholic, have falsely accused, persecuted both the priesthood and the laity, even putting many of God’s faithful to the sword, and with what result? The Church continues while earthly kingdoms crumble and turn into nothing more than chapters in a moldy history book. And in our day, just a few years ago, a Rosary crusade that began with three shepherd children in Portugal brought down the Soviet Union.

Satan uses media to foster lies, disseminate anti-Catholic propaganda, and so turns the masses against God and His people. For all that? People convert anyway.

Things don’t always look very promising. A shortage of priests, scandals, and more. Things are rarely as they seem. When things look bad?

“To thee have I lifted up my eyes, who dwellest in heaven.” Psalm 123:1.

Just a thought … Think about this when things look bad. 2,000 years ago God sent His Spirit to guide and care for us. Nowhere are we told that He ever took that Spirit away.

We live a masterpiece of God … Wednesday, September 11

The Descent of the Holy Spirit has created more than hearts afire for fine art. The real masterpiece lives, breaths, over one billion strong.

A Rosary Meditation … The Third Glorious Mystery, the Descent of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit, the One Who gives comfort and leads us (the Church) into all truth. Have you ever wondered what things would be like, what the Church would be like, if He hadn’t come? I suppose we could work up with all sorts of scenarios, some might even make good “B” movie plots and fodder for Saturday night made-for-TV sci-fi, but it would all be guess-work. Mostly. One thing is certain. The Church wouldn’t be what She is, and might not, probably wouldn’t, exist. If she did it would be hard to imagine her in a brides gown. But we don’t need to dwell on that or try to hard to figure it out. Playing “what if” has its applications. This is most likely not one of them. But just the thought, the idea, the “what if”, should give us pause. And in pausing should come the conviction that we, the Church, have much to be thankful for.

Today … St. Vincent of Leon was a Spanish abbot and martyr. The abbot of St. Claudius monastery in Leon, Spain, he was martyred by Arian Visigoths. There is some confusion as to the date of his death. Some lists state that he died about 630. Anyone not familiar with Arius or Arianism ought to do a Google and a little reading. This is what happens to faith and religion without the Holy Spirit. Without the Spirit of Life the only option is death. St. Vincent has first hand knowledge of this via his martyrdom.

Acceptance … It’s the door to the heart through which the Holy Spirit enters. Acceptance. Acceptance of Him and of all the Truths He brings.

The “I want to be like Jesus” Rosary

Every Christian wants to be like Jesus. He is our Goal. To be like Him, to be with Him. Sometimes we look at ourselves and see how far away we are from our Goal. Sometimes it helps to remember the things we have in common with Jesus, even if they’re just little things. Knowing we have things in common with Him may not make us any more like Him but it does help make Him seem not so far away. He doesn’t want to be far away. He came here, lived with us, walked with us, ate with us, to be close to us. And we can be as close to Him now as our hearts will let us.

I want to be like Jesus …

1st Joyful Mystery, the Annunciation. When it was known that I was on my way into the world there was an announcement too. I am like Jesus.

2nd Joyful Mystery, the Visitation. My mother went visiting, sharing me with others before I was ever born. I am like Jesus.

3rd Joyful Mystery, the Nativity. When I was born folks came to see me, and they were glad to see me. I am like Jesus.

4th Joyful Mystery, the Presentation. After I was born my parents were thankful to God for me. I am like Jesus.

5th Joyful Mystery, the Finding in the Temple. When I was little I’d hide away and no one would know where I was. I am like Jesus.

1st Sorrowful Mystery, the Agony in the Garden. I’ve prayed when my heart was heavy and felt like it was about to break. I am like Jesus.

2nd Sorrowful Mystery, the Scourging. I’ve been hurt by people. I am like Jesus.

3rd Sorrowful Mystery, the Crowning with Thorns. People have made fun of me and misused me. I am like Jesus.

4th Sorrowful Mystery, Carrying the Cross. I’ve fallen more than once under a burden to heavy for me to bear alone and God has sent me help. I am like Jesus.

5th Sorrowful Mystery, the Crucifixion. I’ll die someday and I’ve had my heart-broken. I am like Jesus.

1st. Glorious Mystery, the Resurrection. When the priest baptized me I was born new in Jesus, raised up from the death of my sin, my own resurrection. I am like Jesus.

2nd Glorious Mystery, the Ascension. I am with Jesus in His Heart right now, there where He is, so in a way He has already taken me to Heaven. I am like Jesus.

3rd Glorious Mystery, the Decent of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit descended on Jesus, on His Church, and on me too when I was confirmed. I am like Jesus.

4th Glorious Mystery, the Assumption. Jesus’ Mother is in Heaven and she is my Mother so my Mother is in Heaven too. I am like Jesus.

5th Glorious Mystery, the Coronation. Jesus made our Mother Queen and that means she is His Queen and my Queen, she is our Queen. I am like Jesus.

I am human, God is my Father, Mary is my Mother, the Saints (living and dead) are my family, Christ’s Church is His Body and I am a part of all this. I want to be like Jesus. And in being like Jesus I need to remember those things we already have in common and prayerfully work on the rest.

The choice is yours and so is the opportunity … Saturday, June 15

The Holy Spirit calls. Our answer? That’s our choice.

A Rosary Meditation … The Third Glorious Mystery, the Descent of the Holy Spirit. “Now they who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.” Acts 2:41. Must’ve been some sermon, huh? Or maybe it wasn’t so much the sermon as it was the action of the Holy Spirit on willing hearts. “They who received his word.” We have to be open to God to really hear anything, don’t we? God calls to everybody one way or another. I’m not sure exactly how that works at times but then I’m not supposed to walk by sight but rather I’m supposed to walk by faith. We all are. So I have faith that God calls out to all people, each individual, at some point in our lives. I don’t need to know or understand anything else. What’s more important than any persons understanding, mine or yours, is the response of the one called. Because that response determines our eternity. Did you know that God has never sent not one human being to hell? Not one. We do that ourselves by way of our choices, and we all have choices. Now, we can SAY that we didn’t have any choice in any given matter but that doesn’t make it so, does it? The people there with Peter 2,000 years ago had a choice. Remember that it says “they who received”, which tells me there were some who rejected. It’s always up to us. We always have a choice. What we do with the opportunity, because that’s what a choice is, is altogether up to us.

Today …

St. Vitus

Legend has Vitus, the only son of a senator in Sicily, become a Christian when he was twelve. When his conversions and miracles became widely known to the administrator of Sicily, Valerian, he had Vitus brought before him, to shake his faith. He was unsuccessful, but Vitus with his tutor, Modestus, and servant, Crescentia, fled to Lucania and then to Rome, where he freed Emperor Diocletian‘s son of an evil spirit. When Vitus would not sacrifice to the gods, his cure was attributed to sorcery. He, Modestus, and Crescentia were subjected to various tortures from which they emerged unscathed, and were freed when during a storm, temples were destroyed and an angel guided them back to Lucania, where they eventually died. So much for the legend. What is fact is that their cult goes back centuries and that they were Christians who were martyred in Lucania. A great devotion to Vitus developed in Germany when his relics were translated to Saxony in 836. He is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers and is the patron of epileptics, those afflicted with St. Vitus’ Dance (named after him}, dancers, and actors, and is a protector against storms.

Quote …  “You are the one who must choose your place.”  James Lane Allen

How can you tell? … Wednesday, May 29

Look at these people, especially Mary, and ask yourself, “How can you tell?”

A Rosary Meditation … The Third Glorious Mystery, the Descent of the Holy Spirit. “”Come, O Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of thy faithful; and kindle in them the fire of thy love.” ~ Pentecost Alleluia ~ Have you ever wondered how you can tell for certain that a Christian has the Holy Spirit actively dwelling in them? Remember what Paul said?

1 If I speak with the tongues of men, and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2 And if I should have prophecy and should know all mysteries, and all knowledge, and if I should have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3 And if I should distribute all my goods to feed the poor, and if I should deliver my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 4 Charity is patient, is kind: charity envieth not, dealeth not perversely; is not puffed up; 5 Is not ambitious, seeketh not her own, is not provoked to anger, thinketh no evil; 6Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth with the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 8 Charity never falleth away: whether prophecies shall be made void, or tongues shall cease, or knowledge shall be destroyed. 9For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10But when that which is perfect is come, that which is in part shall be done away. 11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child. But, when I became a man, I put away the things of a child. 12 We see now through a glass in a dark manner; but then face to face. Now I know I part; but then I shall know even as I am known. 13 And now there remain faith, hope, and charity, these three: but the greatest of these is charity. … 1 Corinthians 13.

And of course the word “charity” here is synonymous with “love”.

So what did Paul just say? Well, bluntly, the proof of the Holy Spirit has nothing to do with speaking in tongues. The early Mormon’s spoke in tongues. It has nothing to do with the ability to prophesy. We know that there are false prophets. It has nothing to do with understanding mysteries or having knowledge. An atheistic scientist fits that description. It’s not a matter of having a faith that can work miracles. Remember that Judas Iscariot, along with the other Apostles who were given gifts, healed people. It’s not about any of that. It’s all about what manifested, bottom line, on that very first Pentecost. When the Holy Spirit was poured out people came to God as a result. And God is Love. Those who love God exude love. “By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one for another.” John 13:35. And that’s how you can tell. It’s by their fruits that you can know them.

OK, now we all go look in the mirror and check ourselves.

Today …  Martyrs of Toulouse. Twelve martyrs put to death by Albigensian heretics near Toulouse, France, on the eve of the feast of the Ascension. Four diocesan priests, three Dominicans, two Benedictines, two Franciscans, and one layman died singing the Te Deum. They were beatified in 1866. Jesus gave His life for us and still does. What began in the Upper Room, was made clear on Calvary, and continues through the Mass even today, His one ongoing sacrifice of Himself, proves His great love for us. We may never be called to spill our blood as these martyrs were but we are all called to a loving martyrdom of self, the spilling of our hearts for love of Him.

Quote … “God did not create a human family made up of segregated, dissociated, mutually independent members. No; he would have them all united by the bond of total love of Him and consequent self-dedication to assisting each other to maintain that bond intact.” ~ Pope Pius XII ~ (Who will be, and I believe is, Pope Saint Pius XII.)

Is it Pentecost or Christmas? Just look at all those gifts! … Saturday, May 11

Pentecost or Christmas???

A Rosary Meditation … The Third Glorious Mystery, the Descent of the Holy Spirit. “Repent and be baptized; and you will receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38. Wouldn’t do much good for those listening to Peter that day to be baptized and there be no repentance, would there? Remember the Pharisees and Sadducees, when they came to the baptism of John? They were turned away because their hearts weren’t right.

Matthew 3:4 And the same John had his garment of camels’ hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins: and his meat was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then went out to him Jerusalem and all Judea, and all the country about Jordan: 6 And were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins. 7 And seeing many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them: Ye brood of vipers, who hath shewed you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bring forth therefore fruit worthy of penance. 9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham for our father. For I tell you that God is able of these stones to raise up children to Abraham. 10 For now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that doth not yield good fruit, shall be cut down, and cast into the fire. 11 I indeed baptize you in the water unto penance, but he that shall come after me, is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear; he shall baptize you in the Holy Ghost and fire. 12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his floor and gather his wheat into the barn; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.

Remember what Jesus said about those folks who, if they believed and were baptized would be saved? But that the ones not believing, and He didn’t mention baptism at this point, would be lost, obviously with or without baptism?

Mark 16:16 “He that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved: but he that believeth not shall be condemned.”

There’s a lot involved in “Repent and be baptized”, isn’t there? It’s important because of what it leads up to, and a big part of what it leads up to is, ” … and you will receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit.” Its not everyone who can receive, and bottom line no one is worthy, but God is merciful and makes a way out of love for us.

Notice the word “gifts”, plural. I’ve seen different lists, you probably have too. Some are based solely on Bible verses while others take into consideration sound theological (Bible study) principles. And these lists often differ. There are reasons for that, like using different Bible verses and different theological starting points. So which list or lists are valid? And the answer is a very simple, “All  of them.” But how can that be so? Again the answer is simple.

How many gifts are there? How many gifts of the Holy Spirit does it take to complete a Christian? To make the Church, and the individual, whole and functional? How many gifts are there? Oh, that’s easy …

As many as it takes.

Today …

St. Gangulphus

 

 

St. Gangulphus

Patron invoked by husbands unhappily married; tanners, shoemakers, children, and horses; invoked against knee pains, sicknesses affecting the eyes and skin; invoked against marital difficulties and adultery. Martyred hermit. He was a Burgundian of France, who was prominent in the court until retiring to become a recluse. He was slain by a lover of his wife. Amazing resume in so few words, isn’t it? A patron of lots and lots of things, serious things. How many gifts of the Holy Spirit are manifested here?

Consider the gifts it takes, the gifts He offers, the gifts available … Jude 1:24 Now to him who is able to preserve you without sin, and to present you spotless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, in the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, 25 To the only God our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory and magnificence, empire and power, before all ages, and now, and for all ages of ages. Amen.

“Want to hold the Baby?” … Thursday, May 9

Altar of Veit Stoss, Left bottom, The Magi honor Jesus, St. Mary’s Church, Krakow, Poland.

A Rosary Meditation … The Third Joyful Mystery, the Nativity. “And behold, Magi came from the East, and entering they found the Child with Mary His mother.” Matthew 2:1,11. Centuries ago most Christians believed that there were three wise men because there were three gifts mentioned and also because of Psalm 72:10 (71:10 in the Douay Rheims) which says, “The kings of Tharsis and the islands shall offer presents: the kings of the Arabians and of Saba shall bring gifts:”. Tharsis (or Tarshish), Arabia, and Saba (which I think references the Sabeans and not Ethiopia, but I’m not certain). So, three gifts, three areas, three wise men. Now-a-days theologians dispute this, but, well frankly I still believe it. Why? In some areas the “old-fashioned” theologians had, I think, more on the ball than their modern liberal counterparts. And, no, they’re aren’t all liberals gone overboard, but you know what I mean. So until the Pope tells me different I’ll stick with the three. Anyway, history lesson aside, the wise guys aren’t center stage here, are they? No, it’s the King and the Queen Mother that call out for attention. After all, that’s why the Magi showed up. “The Child was with Mary His mother.” When we look for a newborn we generally find both, don’t we? If we find a baby without a mother its a sad state of affairs. If we find the mother without the child we’re confident that she knows where the baby is, aren’t we? What does the Pope do? He guides us, being lead by the Holy Spirit in a special way that’s part of his Petrine ministry, to God’s Truth. What does the Bishop, the Parish Priest, the Deacon do? They do the same thing, according to their ministry, don’t they? They hold out the Truth to us. Who held out the Truth to the Three Wise Men? Well, who was holding the Truth? Who had Him in their arms? Want to find the God-Man? Want to find the Truth? Want to hold the Baby? Do what the Wise Men did. Look for the Mother and you’ll always find the Child. Its her job, her ministry, to hold out the Baby to us for us to hold next to our hearts. She’s been doing it ever since the Wise Men (all three of ’em 😉 ) showed up and she still is. The question now is: How wise are we?

Today …  Blessed Theresa of Jesus Gerhardinger

Bl. Theresa of Jesus Gerhardinger. Blessed Mary Theresa was born Caroline Gerhardinger in Bavaria in1797. Encouraged by her parish priest to become a teacher, she believed strongly that a child’s need for love, safety and food were as important as formal education. “Let us never forget the love of Jesus for children, whom he took upon his lap and blessed,” she said. She founded the School Sisters of Notre Dame. Now she understood the value of a baby, born or unborn. She obviously held Jesus to her heart. Who holds her in His hand now?

From “My Pope” (He was pope when I converted.) …

Pope Paul VI

“But note what is taking place here this morning. While we close the ecumenical council, we are honoring Mary Most Holy, the mother of Christ, and consequently, as we declared on another occasion, the mother of God and our spiritual mother. We are honoring Mary Most Holy, the Immaculate One, therefore innocent, stupendous, perfect. She is the woman, the true woman who is both ideal and real, the creature in whom the image of God is reflected with absolute clarity, without any disturbance, as happens in every other human creature.” (Pope Paul VI, Concluding Address to the Second Vatican Council; On Mary, Immaculate).