Scripture:
Reflection:
Mary, my mother; Your beautiful song of praise, “The Magnificat,” brings so many memories rushing in…
As kindergarteners at St. Boniface in the mid-1950s, we were taught 1) that we were made to know, love and serve God, 2) how to fold our hands in prayer, and 3) what Sister Jean called, “the Mary songs”. We learned the words and sang along with the rest of the school at mass, “Ave, Ave, Ave Ma-RI-a….” As the weather turned colder and December approached, Sister would gather us around the creche and there you always were, kneeling in front of St Joseph, staring at the empty manger, waiting for Jesus to arrive.
The first of May marked “Mary’s Month” and we would file out to the parish grotto to crown your statue with a woven ring of roses. “Tis the month of our mother: Then, “Bring flowers of the fairest. Bring flowers of the rarest….”
Freshman year at the Prep, the first song we learned in our Seminary Harmony Choir was, “Lo How a Rose ‘ere blooming, the Rose I have in mind. With Mary, we behold it, the virgin Mother kind… She bore to men a Savior when half-spent was the night.”
I am an old man now, but I still turn to you, Blessed Mary, when I am troubled or weary of the world. I pray for your love and motherly care, and you always comfort me. Father Randal was fond of reminding us that as you stood at the foot of the Cross, you became the world’s first Passionist. Mother Mary, thank you for teaching me to know, love and serve your son. Jesus and Mary be praised, forever and ever.
Ray Alonzo is the father of three children, grandfather of two, and husband to Jan for over 45 years. He is a USN Vietnam Veteran, and a 1969 graduate of Mother of Good Counsel Passionist Prep Seminary. Ray currently serves on the Passionist Alumni Council.