GIFT SEASON IS APPROACHING PURCHASE SCRIP GIFT CARDS! Gift Cards are great for Stocking Stuffers or Pollyanna gifts. Use them to shop or dine at your favorite places or for personal needs including prescriptions! Contact Cindy Pierandozzi for more information!
|
 |
The story of Mary’s visitation to Elizabeth, cherished among Christians and included in the mysteries of the rosary, presents a profound meeting between two holy women. Mary, carrying Jesus, becomes a new Ark of the Covenant, embodying God’s presence. This scene evokes ancient praises and the depths of Israel’s wisdom and salvation history. Mary’s journey to assist her elder cousin Elizabeth symbolizes the greatness of the human experience and the hidden strength of countless women who, despite hardships, have brought children into the world with intense love. Motherhood, often undervalued in secular society, is honored in heaven for its sacrifices and faithfulness. The narrative contrasts the grandeur of the Jerusalem Temple, which at that moment in history had little to offer, with the humble womb of Mary where God is hidden and real. This is mirrored in the manger where Jesus will later lie. The reading invites all to emulate Mary by becoming ‘arks’ for God, carrying Christ within us and spreading the Good News. At the Annunciation, Mary did not rest or become selfcentered; she became a servant, sharing joy and the Good News. During Mass, receiving the Eucharist makes us sacramental arks for God, carrying Christ in a tangible way. This calls for a return to the Marian spirit, helping us become worthy temples of the Holy Spirit and living tabernacles of the Eucharist. As Christmas approaches, the nearness of the Lord inspires our hearts to rejoice, knowing that our Savior is at hand.
Please pray for our sick that they may receive God’s healing strength: Albert Ferranti, Marisa Della Pia, Dom Dinella, Sarah Wallace, Marie Devlin, James Curci, Susan and Frank Addis, Grace Jones, Brian Ligato, Danielle Peters, Marie and Hugh Quigley, Geraldine DiDonato, Gerri Liberato-Abbott, Louie DiBruno, Michael Cornaglia, Sr., Angel Scorza, Linda Sammaritano, Sister Peg, Stephanie Sinex, Shawn Keefe, Maria Dattilo, Ashleigh Leone, Fr. Casey, Mary Young, Rose Campolongo, Landon Reid, Annette Slattery, Anna Musolino, Joann Auld, Pat Kennedy, Sister Francine OSF, Constance DeMayo, Robert Federico, Tom Rucci, Diane Cellini, Dominick Condo, Leon Defulgentis, Anthony DiDonato, Robert & Assunta Nataloni, Bill DiMascio, Lucia Maria Cudemo, Chris Penrose, Joann Fontana, Fr. John Tumosa, Gregory Lucia, Jackie DiStefano, Jeff Thomas |