Return to The Reign of Mary No. 143
The Reign of Mary
Vol. XLII, No. 143: Letter from the Editor
August 11, 2011
St. Philomena
Dear friends in Our Lady,
Praised be Jesus and Mary. During this month of August our religious are busily engaged in preparing for another school year. One of the primary apostolates of the Congregation of Mary Immaculate Queen is the formation of youth through our schools and seminaries around the country. The work of education is of primary importance, because our youth are the future of the Church. Although spreading the Faith and providing the Mass and the sacraments are of vital importance in the work for the salvation of souls, these labors will not long endure if our young people do not know their faith or fail to persevere in it.
Pope Pius XI, in his encyclical on the Christian education of youth (Divini Illius Magistri, Dec. 31, 1929) explains the excellence of this work. He quotes approvingly from St. John Chrysostom who poses the rhetorical question: “What greater work is there than training the mind and forming the habits of the young?” As a soul is directed from childhood, so it will likely continue. Consequently, the work of Catholic education must be of deep interest, not only to teachers and parents, but to all Catholics. For we all must be genuinely concerned about the welfare of the Church and the spread of the Faith. Be resolved, then, to do your part in supporting the work of Catholic education of youth.
As we prepare for the new school year, we also look back over the past summer. While it has gone by all too quickly, it has nevertheless been a time of extraordinary grace. The ordination of two new priests at Mount St. Michael was attended by numerous Catholics from around the country, not to mention the impressive gathering of close to 20 priests for the occasion. There were also youth camps and religious retreats to keep us busy. In addition, Our Lady of the Snow parish in Denver hosted our first ever traditional Catholic music convention. Choir members from parishes and missions, representing at least 8 states, gathered for several days of instruction and practice, in order to improve the quality of our choirs, which are such an important part of the liturgy. The culmination of the weekend was the solemn high Mass sung by all the choristers.
But this past summer was not without its sorrow, as we learned of dear friends and parishioners who were called by God from this world. Although such departures are a source of sorrow, it is also comforting to know that so many have fought the good fight and have persevered in the Faith. We commend these dear departed to your prayers. Among others was Mrs. Janet Bollinger, a dear friend and mother of 16 children, who strongly supported our work, especially in western Colorado, for many years. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
As we call to mind such partings, let us not forget that we also shall one day be called by God, to render an account of our lives. This thought was always uppermost in the minds of the saints, and inspired them to resist temptation and practice virtue. For the devil never sleeps, but constantly plots to lead us away from God. Let us, then, never become complacent, but continue with the aid of our Immaculate Queen, to persevere on the path of virtue. Let us also pray for one another that we all may be one day re-united in heaven.
In the service of Jesus and Mary
Fr. Benedict Hughes, CMRI
(Email Father)