Loading...Dear Friends in Christ,
For some time now, I have wondered why there was not a greater devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Diocese of Kentucky. There are obvious answers, of course, but I felt the absence allowed for poor teaching of the role Our Lady plays in Salvation history. Over the years I have talked with priests and layfolk about this, and the conversation frequently came round to the desire to form a ward or chapter of the Society of Mary within the diocese. I believe the time is now!
The Society of Mary was formed in 1931 by the union of its parent societies, the Confraternity of Our Lady (founded in 1880) and the League of Our Lady (founded in 1902). It has members all over the world, and is not confined to Anglicans alone. The Society was founded with these Objects:
1. To love and honour Mary.
2. To spread devotion to her in reparation for past neglect and misunderstanding and in the cause of Christian Unity.
3. To take Mary as a model in purity, personal relationships and family life.
In consultation with The Bishop of Kentucky, and with the assistance and guidance of the Rector of Calvary Church in Louisville ( The Rev’d Father Jonathan Erdman ) we would like to explore the possibility of establishing a diocesan ward of the Society. Where there are sufficient members (10-12) in one place or area they combine to form a Ward, with a priest as Superior and an elected Secretary. They can then organize regular services, meetings and other activities. Five or more members may form a Cell and organize joint prayer and fellowship. With this goal in mind, an Information and Organization Day is planned for Saturday, 3 December, 2011, at Calvary Church in Louisville. The tentative schedule for the day at this time looks like this:
- 10 a.m. (EST): Votive Mass of The Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturday
· 11 a.m.: Organizational Meeting
· 12 p.m.: Angelus, Box Lunch *
· 1:15 p.m.: Evensong
Bishop White has graciously agreed to be with us. We will have informational packets available and we hope to get a diocesan ward off the ground on the 3rd.
Please join us on 3 December, and most importantly, talk this up within your parish and encourage as many people as possible to gather at Calvary for the day’s events. WE NEED LAYFOLK! I am available to come and speak to your parish and “beat the drum” for Our Lady’s sake! Just let me know when.
The Superior-General of the Society of Mary, The Rt. Rev’d Robert Ladds, has written:
“Our Society seeks the glory of God revealed in Our Lord Jesus Christ, born for us as Perfect Man and Perfect God. Christ was given to us through Mary, His Blessed and Ever-Virgin Mother. As Members of the Society of Mary, we love and honour Her, who is shown to us in the Bible as ‘Blessed among Women’ and who was loved and honoured by Jesus.
What does this mean in our everyday seeking to live out the Christian life and our calling? Our prayer and devotion to Mary constantly reminds that, through the Incarnation, Christ lives in us and we live in Him. This directs us to seek Jesus in worship; through a deepening of our spiritual lives; in our relationships with one another and with those around us; in every aspect and dimension of the world. We are made deeply conscious of our fellowship with another and, most especially, with the Communion of Saints and the great company of all who have gone before us in faith.
The Society provides for us to meet together in friendship and enjoyment of one another’s company and mutual support. We come together in worship and so share in the ‘beauty of holiness’. We have the privilege of sharing our experiences and the good things of our beliefs with others.”
The Blessed Virgin Mary has played a significant role in my religious formation, and she has led me closer to her Son, which is the whole point of true Marian devotion. How wonderful it would be if devotion to Our Lady were strengthened and encouraged in Kentucky! Please help us by joining us on 3 December, and by praying for the success of our efforts.
Yours in Christ and Our Lady,
Sandford MacLean
*To defray the costs of the box lunch on Saturday, a donation of $6.00 is suggested.
