Mother of Life

We had a little May Procession and crowning of the statue of Our Lady today.  Four of our youngsters shouldered the bier - not the most stately entrance in history but what was lacking in grandeur was made up in enthusiasm!  Anyway, she made it safely to the sanctuary to be crowned to the traditional accompaniment of "O Mary we crown thee with blossoms today".

Also on a positive note and perhaps thanks to Our Lady's motherly intercession, I heard today that the two Catholic midwives from Glasgow who have been fighting through the courts for their right not to be forced to work facilitating or assisting in abortions have won their case against the NHS on appeal.  SPUC has the details and a report from the BBC.

O most loving Lord Jesus, 

Who, hanging on the Cross, didst commend us all in the person of Thy disciple John, 

to Thy most sweet Mother, 

that we might find in her our refuge, our solace, and our hope; 

look graciously upon our beloved country, 

and on those who are bereaved of so powerful a patronage; 

that, acknowledging once more the dignity of this holy Virgin, 

they may honour and venerate her with all affection of devotion,

 and own her as Queen and Mother. 

May her sweet name be lisped by the little ones, 

and linger on the lips of the aged and the dying; 

and may it be invoked by the afflicted, 

and hymned by the joyful; 

that this Star of the Sea being their protection and their guide, 

all may come to the harbour of eternal salvation. 

Who livest and reignest, world without end. 

Amen.