O Immaculata, Be Present to Us!
                  “I am the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done to me according to your word.” –Luke 1:38
   
                             called the Marian sanctuaries — “spiritual clinics.” We bring our ailments: living without God as the center of our lives, lack of mercy and compassion, lack of appreciation of the gift of life. All weaken our souls. Powerful conversions occur at these shrines through God’s grace and the maternal intercession of the Mother of God. Healings take place by God through His Word. “Patients” encounter Jesus in the sacrament of reconciliation and the Holy Eucharist. Visit these privileged places to encounter Christ and rediscover your sense of baptismal vocation and to hear its saving call.

Reflection: Visit a shrine or church dedicated to Mary. Deepen your love for Mary Immaculate, so that her maternal embrace may greet you upon your death. Join with St. Bonaventure in praying:

“I ask thee, O Mary, for the glory of thy name, to come and meet my soul when it is departing from this world, and to take it in your arms.” 

NEW YEAR'S SNOW