On Sunday, September 15, Catholics will honor Mary under her title of “Our Lady of Sorrows.” We call to mind the Blessed Virgin’s sufferings that sprang from her love for Jesus, especially during his Holy Passion.     

Most of us will never be called to endure those particular “heart-piercing swords.” However, many of us know the sadness and pain of someone dear to us falling away from their faith.     

If you are experiencing this in your own life, there is HOPE. Our Blessed Mother desires to intercede with and for you to bring those you love back to the Church.     

My uncle married a woman who did not believe in God, and he stopped practicing his faith as well. After many years away from the Church, a tractor ran over his chest in a farm accident, and he suffered for some days in the hospital. The day before he died, he became lucid, and my mother asked him if he would like to see a priest. He said, “Yes.” He went to Confession, received the Anointing of the Sick and Holy Communion. The next day, he passed away.  There is always hope.     

Saint Paul says nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus. That includes being away from the practice of faith, no matter how long it’s been. Individuals fall away from their faith for many reasons. The more time that passes, the more difficult it may seem to ask forgiveness and renew the practice of their faith. But God continually provides “actual grace” that calls us back to himself. I have heard confessions of individuals whose had not received the sacrament for 20 or 30 years.     

Our prayers do help loved ones return to the faith!  Here are several other ways you can help:

• –Entrust your loved ones to Jesus through Mary by letting myself, along with my fellow Vincentian priests and brothers, remember them during Mass here at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Perryville, Missouri, on Sunday, September 15, the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows. Send me their names to be placed at Our Lady’s Shrine. 
• –You may also request a Votive Light to burn for your loved ones inside the beautiful Votive Light Room here at the Shrine.       

Here’s a rather amazing story a faith-filled Association member shared with us:     

Our son had been away from the Church for many years. My husband and I added the “Return to Faith” prayer to our daily prayers. Last week, our son was hospitalized, and doctors did not expect him to pull through. I called a priest who administered the Anointing of the Sick and gave him Communion. A few days later, our son came home from the hospital! He has a ways to go, but he wants to return to the practice of his faith. Truly two miracles — a physical and a spiritual healing. 

Do not doubt that God is merciful and can respond to your faith and prayers to spiritually revive those you love. I pray that you never give up hope. Your faith can move mountains.     

Our AMM staff is available to take your prayer requests by phone. We answer calls weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., CT, at 1-800-264-(MARY) 6279.     

God gave the world his own Mother to guide us and those dearest to us throughout our lives. May he continue to bless all your efforts to serve him and draw you ever closer to himself.                                                            
Yours in Jesus and Mary,                                                            

 

P.S.    If you choose to send a contribution with your intentions, we are grateful. Your generosity allows Mary’s Association to fulfill our spiritual mission.