From the Desk of Father Nathan

St Gabriel Catholic Church | Pompano Beach

A Message from Father Nathan

My dearest people who are all close to my heart

Lots of love, blessings, and prayers to you all.

May is the Month of Mary, Our Holy Mother!

The month of May is here. The month of Mary, our Holy Mother. It is a centuries-old custom of Catholics to dedicate the month of May to the Blessed Virgin Mary. May is always part of the Easter season—the fifty days we celebrate the liturgy the Resurrection of our Lord, a time also of awaiting the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

Marian month – Part of the liturgical celebrations of Easter and Pentecost

The celebration of May as a Marian month fits well with the liturgical celebrations of Easter and Pentecost as we recall Mary’s great joy in her Son’s victory over death as well as her presence with the apostles in the upper room prayerfully awaiting the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

During this month of May, we will pay special honor to our Blessed Mother.

In 1965, Pope Paul VI wrote a shore encyclical on the month of May. He wrote that May is an occasion for a

“moving tribute of faith and love which Catholics in every part of the world pay to the Queen of Heaven.”

During this month Christians, both in church and in the privacy of their home, offer up to Mary from their hearts an especially fervent and loving homage of prayer and veneration. This month, too, the benefits of God’s mercy come down to us from her throne in greater abundance.

Traditions – Crowning of the Virgin Mary

Many churches and schools celebrate the crowning of Our Lady’s images. This is a beautiful custom that expresses our love for the Mother of God as our Queen.

Other Marian devotions are particularly fitting in the month. Of course, the holy rosary is always a wonderful prayer to enter more deeply into the mysteries of Christ’s life with Mary. It is a Gospel prayer. All honor that we give to Mary is ordered to and leads to, the adoration of God.

Devotion to Mary fosters within us a faithful adherence to her Son. When we crown images of Mary, we are honoring her. In honoring Mary we are ultimately praising God for the grace He bestowed on her. May the Blessed Virgin Mary intercede for us and draw us closer to Christ her Son! May he continue to do that.

God bless you all.

With lots of love and blessings,

Ever wanting to be faithful to your service,

— Fr. Sahayanathan Nathan

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Past Messages from Father Nathan

From The Desk Of Father Nathan | September 22, 2024

St. Vincent dePaul, (April 24, 1581 – September 27, 1660) was a French priest who dedicated his life to helping the poor and is considered one of the most important figures in history of charity. He was canonized by Pope Clement X in 1737 and declared the patron saint of all charitable works.