Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Nov. 21
Throughout the year, we celebrate our Blessed Mother on many occasions— honoring her continuous love and unconditional offerings to the Lord during her lifetime. Today, on the memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we recognize Mary as a holy child.
At the time of the birth of the Blessed Virgin, it was common for some children to be presented at the temple to assist priests and act as servants of charity. Mary, having been born with immaculate grace and innocence, pleaded with her parents to be placed in the temple at an early age. St. Alphonsus Liguori, an 18th century doctor of the Church, wrote extensively on the Blessed Virgin Mary and describes her as having “barely reached the age of three” at the time of her presentation.
Regardless of exact historical details, today shows a life of profound prayer and contemplation. Mary gave to God the total gift of herself, the ultimate devotion. Today serves as just one example of how our Blessed Mother has always been, and continues to be, the Immaculate One.
Thanksgiving: Nov. 23
Lord, we thank you
for the goodness of our people
and for the spirit of justice
that fills this nation.
We thank you for the beauty and fullness of the
land and the challenge of the cities.
We thank you for our work and our rest,
for one another, and for our homes.
We thank you, Lord:
accept our thanksgiving on this day.
We pray and give thanks through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
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