Recently, a member reflected on her mother’s last few weeks of life with Alzheimer’s disease.

 “Her eyes stared vacantly. Her words had long left her. But her hands —my mom’s hands seemed to still strive to serve and to love. Mindlessly moving plates and cups, she set the table. Fiddling with a pair of socks for an hour was doing laundry. Picking up a baby doll, she soothed her child. My favorite was when she reached out and swept my hair away from my face, reminding me of when I was little and she’d say, It’s time to trim those bangs.”

How much love comes through a mother’s hands! Is it not the same with Our Blessed Mother?

Mary desires to give you heavenly graces through her loving hands. She longs to hold you close to her heart, nurture your spiritual growth, shower you with God’s mercy, comfort you in your suffering, and guide you every day, all the way home to heaven.

Today, I invite you to place your needs in Mary’s loving hands.

September 15 is the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows. On that day, a Mass will be offered for you and your intentions at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal here in Perryville, Missouri. Fellow Vincentians and AMM staff members will remember your intentions in prayer at this Mass.

On our grounds is a beautiful bronze statue of Mary, depicting Our Lady as she appeared to Saint Catherine Labouré. Her hands are open to receive the joys and sorrows of her beloved children.

Your petitions will be literally placed into the hands of this statue as a symbol of your desire to take your needs to Jesus, through Mary. They will then be taken to the Shrine Church to rest near her altar throughout the month of September.

Remember what Mary told Catherine: “Come to the foot of the altar. There graces will be shed upon all, great and little, who ask for them.”Her words are meant for you, too!

You may also have the opportunity to burn a Votive Light at the National Shrine. Doing so can be a visible sign of your love and devotion to Mary.

Finally, AMM is presenting two unique gifts you can request in return for the suggested offerings indicated.

The first is a six-inch poly resin bronze gold finish statue — a replica of the very same bronze statue of Mary upon which we’ll be placing your intentions. The second gift is a Palm Cross, inlaid with a beautiful Miraculous Medal. Both items have been blessed at the site of the bronze statue of Mary here at Our Lady’s National Shrine.

So much love comes through a mother’s hands! By placing your intentions into the hands of the Blessed Virgin, she can carry your needs to her Son on your behalf.

Thank you in advance for your loving support of Our Lady’s Association and your confidence in her promise to obtain God’s graces for all who ask.                                                            

Sincerely in Jesus and Mary,

Fr. Kevin McCracken, C.M.
Spiritual Director  

P.S. You can receive free, blessed Miraculous Medals on an explanation card to share with family, friends, co-workers, schools, etc., by calling our office Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., CT, or by ordering online through our website, www.amm.org.