Monthly Reflection: September 2002

by
Sister Barbara DeMoranville, MSBT

 

May has a unique place in the lives of Missionary Servants. Mary is someone in whom we trust and upon whom we rely. In addition, I believe that Mary is a model for us because of how she lived her life in total openness, availability and surrender to God. She lived a life of love, and was free to respond each time God called her.. Mary gave herself entirely to God trusting God to do surprising and impossible things. And God did!

Was the driving force of Mary’s life love and service?

Mary, Queen of the Missionary Cenacle, is cherished as part of our heritage, and this particular title has a special place in our minds and hearts.

We are aware of Father Judge’s great devotion to Mary and know that he constantly prayed for help through her intercession, and exhorted all in the Missionary Cenacle to pray frequently to Mary. He had a relationship with Mary that spoke of trust and confidence in Mary’s fidelity to the cause of the Cenacle. I think Father believed that Mary understood that the Cenacle way of life would express the Gospel of Jesus and he just expected that Mary would be a special care taker of the Cenacle.

In my own life, Mary has held a different meaning and position at different times. Early on in formation, I was very aware of Mary, especially when I had a whole new way of life to learn in what seemed like such a new (and sometimes strange) world that included Community and mission and ministry. I often thought about Mary and wondered what it was like for her to be so young and to have the care of her family and

responsibilities. I prayed that Mary would help me understand my new way of life and that she would assist me in this unusual, new world in which I had not yet felt quite at home. I felt befriended by Mary in those days.

Then there have been times through the years when Mary was in the background of my own life. Busy years. I don’t know if I just did not think that Mary had relevance to my busyness, or what, but she was relegated to a different place. I did not think that consciously or that much about her.

As the years have gone on I have grown in love and appreciation for Mary. She is a companion on the Journey. As I have had to face some challenges I have become more aware of how much Mary had to face and accept. Mary was often wrapped in silence in her life as she pondered events and circumstances in her own heart concerning her Son. There was a great deal that she did not understand and so much was being asked of her.

As I have been faced with the unexpected, and with what seemed like a great deal, I learned again to rely on Mary.

In challenging times, I am aware of calling on Mary. When I have new, unexpected moments and difficulties to face, I am conscious of "going to Mary". I expect her help, her guidance, her insights into many situations. I expect this in my own life, for the Missionary Servants and for all in our Missionary Cenacle Family.

As I reflect on the current situation in our world, Church and Missionary Cenacle Family. I am aware that these past months have been very painful. Following September 11, 2001, there has been such an ongoing series of very agonizing events! No one expected the criminal behavior and dishonesty of big business, the vast extent of corporate corruption, and certainly no one expected the horrendous scandals in our Church with priests and bishops; of pedophilia, a misuse of people, and finances.

These times cry out for a strong devotion to Mary and for a deep sense of her way of life. I am reminded of Father Judge’s words of comfort at the time of great difficulty:

Personally, I believe that each trial is the beginning of another large and generous series of grace. Let us prepare ourselves to receive them. May we generously respond to Divine Providence in that which to worldly wisdom would seem so calamitous. The Immaculate Mother of Our Lord is not unconcerned. The Cenacle is hers. It has been consecrated to her for the greater honor and glory of her Son. She is its queen. Turn then to the Queen of the Missionary Cenacle and confide to her what is in your heart. Let her know we want to do but one thing, the Will of her Divine Son, to please Him in all things, whether it be in abundance or in destitution, whether it be in prosperity or adversity, whether it be in the flush of triumph or in the dejection of contradiction and loss.

It just seems to me that Father is saying Mary is with us through all seasons and she will be steadfast to the Missionary Cenacle, to each one of us. Perhaps we may want to renew our own personal relationship and strengthen our devotion to her. Mary, I pray that you take us ever more deeply into the heart of the Trinity. Your eternity surely brings you into the wonder of the Three in One Triune God, and you will lead us there. We your Missionary Cenacle Family depend and trust you in this.

I wonder if you have a particular or favorite title by which you call on Mary or pray to Mary. Or are all of us more apt to be informal with our Blessed Mother and simply call her Mary, whom we know is our Mother and Queen; Queen of heaven and earth; Queen of the Apostles, and thank God, Queen of the Missionary Cenacle.

Some questions for reflection:

1. Knowing Mary’s freedom to give herself totally to what God asked of her, I ask myself, How free am I? What holds me back from responding more fully to God?

2. What does Queen of the Missionary Cenacle mean now in my life?

3. What is my devotion to Mary and how do I foster this devotion?