Queen of Heaven and Earth

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(Courtesy: EWTN)

Today, the Church celebrates the Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  It is a memorial during which all the faithful are reminded that Mary, the Mother of Our Lord, has been made queen of all the heavens and the earth (the Fifth Glorious Mystery of the Rosary).  Because we are creatures of this earth and disciples of Christ, we, too, must honor the Blessed Mother as queen.

Let us remember that giving honor to Mary in no way takes focus off of Christ, Our King.  In fact, the glory, honor, and blessing given to the Queen will only be reflected by her toward the King, her Son.  Thus, we may faithfully conclude that an intimate relationship with the Queen of Heaven will lead us into a more intimate relationship with Christ the King.

Personal experience proves, however, that such an intimate relationship with Mary is easier to write and speak about than it is to achieve.  I have committed and re-committed myself to a Marian devotion on numerous occasions.  Yet there always seems to be an excuse to become lax in that devotion.  Fortunately, the proverbial tide seems to be turning!

In recent weeks, the addition of the Memorarae to my daily prayer regimen seems to have provided additional peace and grace in my life.  Further, occasional (not daily at this point) recitation of the Rosary brings about joy, comfort, and peace; wonderful substitutes for the stress, anxiety, and turmoil wrought by Satan on a daily basis.

I pray that my devotion to Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth may continue to increase throughout my adult life.  I pray that her intercession will bring innumerable graces for my family and ministry.  I pray that she will guide me toward her Son, even until the moment of my judgment.

Also, click here for a fabulous article on Our Lady of America, and the history of some lesser-known apparitions.

God bless!

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