May 1, 2009
The Bishop's Forum
Mater Dei
by Bishop Gerald A. Gettelfinger
May is here. It is the month of Mary, the Mother of God. She is the patroness of our diocese under that title: “Mater Dei.” How proud and honored we are that our Blessed Mother was selected to be our patroness.
Our diocesan coat of arms incorporates the “crescent moon” that is a symbol attributed to our Blessed Mother shining about the “walled city” a symbol of the City of Evansville. She is an awesome patroness. Bishop Henry Grimmelsman, our first bishop, named Mater Dei High School in her honor. The Daughters of Charity named their Provincialate as Mater Dei. Mary is indeed our Mother!
What are your family traditions for honoring our Blessed Mother and seeking her intercession?
In our farm family, there were several. The months of May and October belonged to our Blessed Mother. Below I will name our family devotions as examples that your family might wish to incorporate if you have not already:
- The daily family Rosary led in rotating fashion by parents and siblings during the months of May and October with the Litany of the Blessed Mother. (Usually on our knees.)
- Following each decade of the Rosary was the inclusion of the “Fatima Prayer.” (“Oh Jesus, forgive us our sins . . .”)
- The daily recitation of the “Memorare Prayer.”
- Faithful monthly participation in the Sacrament of Reconciliation and attendance at Mass on the First Saturdays of each month.
It was my joy as a seminarian at St. Meinrad to be a member of the Sodality of the Blessed Virgin Mary celebrated each year on the feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8.
Our Blessed Mother Mary is the patroness of the United States under the title of the Immaculate Conception.
Our Blessed Mother is the Patroness of the Americas as Our Lady of Guadalupe.
There are so many demands and varied times imposed from the outside on parents and siblings in family life today. It must be most difficult to carve out needed moments for families to gather for common prayer.
Father Peyton who so persistently promoted the family rosary had it right: “The family that prays together stays together.”
As your bishop, I urge all parents to find a way for the family to pray together in addition to weekly attendance at Mass. I will personally attest that your familial devotion to our Blessed Mother will never fail your family and each member.
There are times that only our Blessed Mother can provide familial consolation and support. I am so personally grateful to my parents for that invaluable lesson! May your children report the same in their adult years!
Next Week: 175th Anniversary of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis nee the Diocese of Vincennes.