Beginning with this bulletin I will be writing about our new stained glass windows in the church. First, of course, is our Blessed Mother located in the north gathering space. There are a number of windows in our church that depict our Blessed Mother which of course highlights her role as the Mother of the Church and Exemplar of Discipleship. The newest window has a very American feel, reflecting the Immaculate Conception, the title under which Mary is the Patroness of the United States and Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas.
This year we are celebrating the 100th anniversary of the apparitions of our Blessed Mother at Fatima. The message of Fatima, strengthened and authenticated by fulfillment of its prophecies in history, remains as needed today as it was when Lucia and her two cousins Jacinta and Francisco heard it from the lips of Our Lady. In an age when humankind continues its rebellion against the will of God, Mary repeats for each of us the first works of Jesus in his public ministry. She brings to us Christ's call to conversion. "The kingdom of God is close at hand. Repent and believe the gospel" (Mk 1:15). At Fatima, Our Lady asked us to find in her heart the door to Christ. By consecrating ourselves to her Immaculate Heart, we accept the will of Christ who gave Mary to be our Mother. As we celebrate the centenary of these apparitions we are joining Bishop Serratelli in the consecration of our diocese to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. This will take place at all our Masses this weekend. If you are unable to be with us for this consecration we invite you to pray the prayer on your own. It is included on the next page for your reflection and use. May is our Blessed Mother's month - we honor her in a particular way during these spring days. This weekend we "bring flowers of the fairest" to crown Mary the queen of our hearts and our souls. How wonderful that we will be lead in this crowning by our boys and girls who have just made their First Holy Communion. Nothing gladdens Mary's heart more than when we draw close to her Son - and there is no greater closeness than the Eucharist! Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us!