We pray for the continued safety of missionaries, especially in war-torn countries, and recognize the Marians who have participated in missions internationally in countries such as Rwanda, Cameroon, Kazakhstan, India, the Philippines, and Brazil.
By Julia Rose
In October, the month of the Holy Rosary, we celebrate five particular jubilees: Jubilee of the Missions (Oct. 4-5); Jubilee of the Migrants (Oct. 4-5); Jubilee of Consecrated Life (Oct. 8-9); Jubilee of Marian Spirituality (Oct. 11-12); and Jubilee of the Roma, Sinti and Traveling Peoples (Oct. 18).
Missions
The first Jubilee honors “All lay and religious missionaries, pastoral workers, Fidei Donum missionaries and missionary organizations.” With Pope Francis’ message from World Mission Day in 2019 in mind, we thank the members of our communities who work towards deepening the Catholic faith of others around the world.
We also pray for the continued safety of missionaries, especially in war-torn countries, and recognize the Marians who have participated in missions internationally in countries such as Rwanda, Cameroon, Kazakhstan, India, the Philippines, and Brazil.
Migrants
Honoring migrants, we are especially called to remember the important messages of Pope Francis from the 2016 World Day of Migrants and Refugees: “Biblical revelation urges us to welcome the stranger; it tells us that in so doing, we open our doors to God, and that in the faces of others we see the face of Christ himself.”
It is important to center ourselves around Jesus and be reminded of the importance of showing mercy towards others and treating them with compassion and dignity, as taught through the Parable of the Good Samaritan (see Lk 10:25-37).
We turn to the Blessed Mother, “Solace of Migrants,” to pray for migrants who are navigating times of uncertainty and instability, and who are in search of new homes and communities.
Saint Faustina’s Feast Day
In a beautiful way, St. Faustina’s feast day (Oct. 5, but observed this year on Oct. 6) coincides with the Jubilee of Missions and Migrants. As a Patroness of the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception, St. Faustina will forever be an inspirational saint, encouraging us to give ourselves fully to God and always remember the message of Divine Mercy (see Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska, 163).
Consecrated Life
This Jubilee, we honor the many religious sisters, nuns, brothers, deacons, and priests who have dedicated their lives to God.
The Marian Fathers, here in the Blessed Virgin Mary Mother of Mercy Province, were overjoyed as, just this past August, they witnessed eight men join the congregation as postulants or novices; 10 men profess their first or temporary vows; one brother profess perpetual vows; one transitional deacon be ordained; and one priest be ordained.
We pray for more people to hear the call to consecrated life. Consecrated religious serve in crucial leadership roles, fostering the growth of the Catholic Church and spreading the teachings of Jesus.
Marian Spirituality
As a congregation dedicated to Mary Immaculate, the Marian Fathers, alongside many other religious orders, humbly encourage devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The world-famous statue of Our Lady of Fatima kept at the shrine in Portugal will be also be travelling to Rome for this special Jubilee! As we approach the 100th anniversary of Our Lady’s call for the Five First Saturdays devotion (given on Dec. 10, 1925), let us recommit to learning about and living the calls of Fatima.
Jubilee of the Roma, Sinti and Traveling Peoples
At one of the last Jubilees of October, we honor the Roma, Sinti, and Traveling Peoples, historically marginalized groups. As we reflect on the discrimination these peoples have faced, we remember the wisdom of St. Faustina:
Help me, O Lord, that my eyes may be merciful, so that I may never suspect or judge from appearances, but look for what is beautiful in my neighbors’ souls and come to their rescue (Diary, 163).
Photo by Barbara Zandoval on Unsplash.
{shopmercy-ad}
