Saints & Marian Devotions
“Before, by yourself, you couldn’t. Now, you’ve turned to our Lady, and with Her, How easy!”
Jose Maria Escriva
Like St. Francis, St. Jose Maria Escriva had a big devotion to Mama Mary. To him she was the pillar that shaped his life. In May 4, 1957, Jose Maria gave a homily where he describes the way to get to Jesus is through Mary. Here are some key points.
The Role of Marian Devotion in the Church
Family Unity: Devotion to the Virgin Mary, especially during the month of May, serves as a supernatural "family reunion" for Christians, bringing believers together across cultural and theological differences and drawing them more closely into communion with the Church and its shepherd, the Pope.
The Path to Christ: A sincere, devoted love for Mary naturally opens and expands a Christian's heart to embrace and serve all of humanity. The essential principle of this spiritual journey is beautifully captured in the phrase: "All with Peter to Jesus through Mary!"
Mary’s Motherhood and Everyday Life
A Present and Attentive Mother: Looking at Gospel events like the Crucifixion and the wedding at Cana, Mary is revealed as a compassionate mother who anticipates human needs and attentively looks after the small, everyday "little things."
Sanctifying the Ordinary: Mary spent most of her life doing ordinary household tasks. Her life proves that holiness is found in normal, everyday work when it is fueled by a complete love for God.
Spiritual Childhood: To truly approach God, Christians must learn from Mary how to "become little"—abandoning pride, recognizing their need for grace, and trusting God like a child.
Apostolate and Mission
Outward-Facing Faith: True devotion to Mary prevents Christians from becoming trapped in their own selfish problems. It forces them to care about the universal Church and the spiritual well-being of others.
The Call to Overcome Lethargy: Many Christians have drifted into a "dangerous sleep" of spiritual superficiality and self-centeredness. The text exhorts believers to stir themselves and awaken others, taking up a renewed fervor for faith and service — to become true "apostles of apostles" who inspire and guide others toward deeper devotion and active love.
Natural Evangelization: Sharing Christ shouldn't be forced or overly elaborate. It should happen naturally through daily professional work, family care, and genuine, loyal friendships.
"Do Whatever He Tells You": Mary always directs people toward her Son. By following her instruction to the waiters at Cana, Christians bring others face-to-face with Jesus to discover their own unique vocation.
How do we bring our acts of love for Mary into the ordinary details of daily life, making them a natural, grateful response expected of her spiritual children? He suggested,
Meditating on the mysteries of Christ's life through Mary.
Praying three Hail Marys before retiring to beg for purity and protection from mortal sin.
Pausing at noon to pray this traditional devotion and pray the Angelus.
Offering a minor act of self-denial each day as a token of affection.
Mama Mary, beacon of Christ’s light and love, be with us always, guiding and protecting our hearts through every moment.
To read the full Homily click on the image below:
“To Jesus through Mary” by St. Jose Maria Escriva
¡Palante, Siempre Palante! ("Forward, Always Forward")
To Jesus through St. Francis
Thank you for allowing me to be part of your spiritual journey! Keep at it! Keep praying. Love the Lord.
Peace and Grace.Fran Acosta,OFS
