Dear Friends,
In May, a special emphasis is placed on the Church’s and our relationship with Mary. I am asking all in our parish and school with the Diocese of Shreveport to honor Mary in a special way by praying the Rosary. There are specific intentions / intercessions I am asking you to pray with each mystery of the Rosary.
The First Mystery:
- For an increase of belief in the True Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.
The Second Mystery:
- For families to cultivate the planting of the spirit for vocations in their children through prayer and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
The Third Mystery:
- For greater attendance and participation in the sacrifice of the Mass.
The Fourth Mystery:
- For a greater awareness and understanding of the Blessed Mother’s role in our lives of faith through an increase in devotion to her.
The Fifth Mystery:
- For our parish communities to become true Disciples of Christ, in word and deed, as we give witness of our faith to others.
The words of the beautiful “Memorare” prayer remind us that Mary will aid us in our intentions / intercessions.
REMEMBER, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
Our goal is to lift up as many Rosaries as imaginable during the month of May.
In fact, I am requesting you keep track of the number of rosaries prayed. On the diocesan website under the Eucharistic Revival tab, there is a “fill in” form to track the rosaries you pray. You may record them daily, weekly, or at your convenience.
Following this month of intentional prayer, we will begin a Corpus Christi Novena as diocese on June 2nd leading us to the Feast of Corpus Christi. This will end the first year and begin the second year of the National Eucharistic Revival, the Year of the Parish. Resources will be distributed from the Office of Faith Formation for the Rosary and the Novena. With all the faithful throughout the diocese lifting these intentions together, we will storm the Gates of Heaven for our needs.
In Christ,
Fr. Peter Mangum
