Today is also the day when traditionally we honour Mary, Mother of the Lord. As Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we live under her mantle, protected and guided by her. Daily we repeat her words ‘Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to Thy word’. During the ‘hidden years’ of Our Lord’s life, she was there, accompanying His growth and preparing Him for His destiny. She would remain faithfully there, even till Calvary when she stood by the Cross. The Church believes she was the first to witness the Risen Lord, again in hiddenness.

May we entrust ourselves ever more deeply to her wise guidance in our lives at every step, and may God bless you this day.