Hermitage Reflection for October

My being proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit finds joy in God my Savior,
For He has looked upon His servant in her lowliness;
all ages to come shall call me blessed.
Luke 1: 46-48

This being the month of October and the month we celebrate the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary (October 7), we can plunge with our heart's love and needs into the arms of Mary.

This month, our Holy Father Pope Leo XIV asks us to pray the rosary each day for peace. There is a sense of comfort in praying the prayers of the rosary and moving the fingers of our hand over the beads.

Mary's rosary begins and ends with a kiss upon the crucifix of her Son and the signing of the cross. As we pray each Mystery of the Rosary, the grace Mary secures for us unfolds and blossoms. It is a hidden grace that is revealed as we move throughout our day. It is the grace we most need.

May this month be the first of many to come, when daily we plunge into the arms of Mary to spiritually grow in the likeness of her Son, and to daily live proclaiming "the greatness of the Lord."

"O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee."

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"The rosary is a long chain that links heaven and earth.
One end of it is in our hands and the other end is in the hands of the Holy Virgin ..."

~ St. Therese of Lisieux

Prayer to Our Lady of Tenderness

Below is a prayer composed by Bishop John W. Flesey to Our Lady of Tenderness. United in heart and mind, let us pray that hearts across our globe long for and embrace the gift of Christ's peace.

Dear Lady of Tenderness,

We live in an angry and violent world. War and terrorism threaten us on all sides. We respectfully turn to you, O Mother of the Compassionate One. We beg your intercession for us, your suffering sons and daughters. Because of the intimate bond you share with your Son Jesus, our Risen Lord, we know you will hear and heed our prayer for help. Ask your Savior Son to pour forth His Peace into our minds and hearts so that we might become one truly holy family united and guided by His Holy Spirit. Amen.
~ Most Rev. John W. Flesey, STD, DD

Ave Regina Caelorum (Hail, Queen of Heaven) - An ancient Marian antiphon arranged for harp by celtic harpist, Lauren Mary Longo. Traditionally, it is said or sung after night prayer, from the Feast of the Presentation, February 2nd, through Wednesday of Holy Week.

~ Our Lady of Tenderness, pray for us! ~
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