Solemnity of Mary

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Mary. As the mother of Christ she is a pivotal figure in the history of our church and our civilization. The church holds several dogmas, or basic truths regarding Mary. These include her position as the Mother of God, her Immaculate Conception, her perpetual virginity, her assumption into heaven and her position as Mother of the Church.

Mary is venerated throughout the world and loved for her patience, kindliness and virtue. She is a great model for mothers everywhere as well as a model for all humanity. As we begin the year 2010 she is a constant reference for how we should live in faith, humility and love. Obedience and faith allowed her to accept God's will and become the vessel for the Savior's birth. At Saint Joseph's School we want our students to learn and model the obedience and faith Mary demonstrated. We want them to ask Mary to intercede on their behalf, adding her prayers to theirs before her son, Jesus. We ask them to model her virtues as they learn and grow to become the leaders of tomorrow. Leaders who love Christ and seek the intercession of his mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary, will make wiser, sounder decisions that benefit the common good and keep our civilization on a moral and upright path.

Have a happy New Year. Walk with Christ all 365 days and honor Mary, his mother with all the respect the Savior's mother and the Mother of the Church deserves.