Rule 9

The Virgin Mary, humble servant of the Lord, was open to his every word and call. She was embraced by Francis with indescribable love and declared the protectress and advocate of his family. The Secular Franciscans should express their ardent love for her by imitating her complete self-giving and by praying earnestly and confidently.

Our Father in Heaven has given us a great gift. He has given us an Intercessor bar none (apart from Jesus, of course). She is the mother of Jesus, and because Jesus is our brother, she is our Mother, too. When Jesus said to St. John (the Apostle) from the Cross: [John 19:26-27] "When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son."  "Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother." And from that hour the disciple took her into his home."

Since we are disciples of Jesus, that is 21st Century disciples, Jesus' mother is welcome in our homes. And I don't know if you have been following Vatican news items, but there are many bishops who have sponsored a request for the Holy Father to consider a new dogma concerning the Virgin Mary. That is, they believe that Our Lady, the Mother of God, is Coredemptrix, Mediatrix of all Graces and Advocate, but the Holy Father has not yet acted upon this request. It is worth watching, as Dogmas are usually created as a result of what people already believe. Suffice it to say, for now, that Mary is a supurb intercessor when we pray for healing, and understanding of our Lord, who she reaches through her traditional relationship with Him, as Mother and also has one conceived without original sin.

Saint Francis of Assisi has an indescribable love for the Virgin Mary as is strongly evidenced by his writings and the inclusion of Mary in every rule written by him. Mary has always held a special place amid our Franciscan sisters and brothers. As Secular Franciscans we should imitate her complete self-giving to all we come into contact with.

 

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5-10-2008