Mother Mary has our best interests always in mind and desires that all of her beloved children will be safe with her in Heaven one day. She knows our needs before we do (consider the Wedding at Cana). Mary will always point us to her Son Jesus and remind us to pray!
By Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle
Turning the page on our calendar to reveal a brand-new year could very well cause us to gasp. Perhaps we’re lamenting what could have been if we were more attentive to those who needed us, or concerned we did not persevere in our prayers.
Rather than spending too much time feeling (yet again), stunned over the swift passage of time, or questioning how this could possibly be true, let’s instead ponder what could be next for us in the New Year! And every New Year starts in the best way: with the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God, on Jan. 1.
Looking forward
Catholics have pilgrimaged through the Jubilee Year of Hope in 2025, which officially ends on the Feast of the Epiphany, Jan. 6. I personally believe that Our Lady, the Queen of Hope, has assisted us throughout this past year, and that she will also help us going forward.
Let’s choose to live this New Year in the company of Mary, the Mother of God. Let’s put this very important intention right at the top of our “to-do” list!
So, how does Our Lady show us the way forward? And how can we be more cognizant about what she would want us to do?
Well, first of all, we know without a doubt that salvation comes through our Lord Jesus Christ. We also know that Mother Mary has our best interests always in mind and desires that all of her beloved children will be safe with her in Heaven one day. Mary knows our needs before we do (consider the Wedding at Cana). Mary will always point us to her Son Jesus and remind us to pray!
Taking care of the littlest ones
In this New Year, you might consider helping the vulnerable unborn who are in danger of abortion, aiding them through your prayers, efforts, and raising awareness of their plight. You might consider participating in the annual Marches for Life taking place on the East and West Coast, and other areas. Pope St. John Paul II has encouraged us, “Never tire of firmly speaking out in defense of life from its conception. Christ is with you: be not afraid!”
Through Mary’s holy life — beginning with her selfless and courageous fiat at the Annunciation, embracing the gift of the Savior of the world’s precious life within her own womb and her subsequent generous visit to her cousin Elizabeth, which stirred unborn St. John the Baptist in St. Elizabeth’s womb, we see how our Mother Mary has been connected with the unborn right from the start. Much more can be said about Mary’s great love, generosity, and deep humility. I have written extensively about Mary’s life in my book, Our Life, Our Sweetness, and Our Hope!: Jubilee Pilgrims of Hope with Mary.
Mary, our compass
No doubt St. Juan Diego was deeply comforted when Our Lady of Guadalupe lovingly spoke to him as his mother. Her black sash was an indication of a pregnancy in the native culture, and she left her miraculous image on his tilma.
Our Lady told Juan, “I want you to know for certain, my dear son, that I am the perfect and always Virgin Mary, Mother of the True God from Whom all life comes, the Lord of all things, Creator of Heaven and Earth.”
His Eminence Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke commented on Our Lady’s words, saying, “The Mother of God, Our Lady of Guadalupe, is constantly directing us to the mystery of the Incarnation which gives us unfailing hope and sound direction for our lives.”
Our Mother Mary is our mighty companion and “compass” on our journey through life! Invoke Mary as an intercessor and protector of the unborn, and lovingly turn to Mary with all of your needs asking for her holy guidance during this New Year.
As Our Lady told St. Juan Diego, “Let not your heart be disturbed ... Am I not here, who is your Mother?”
Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas and the Unborn, pray for us!
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