[Siobhan]

There are a few problems with this translation, but on the whole it is excellent. I confess to changing one small word that I think must have been the sort of error an non-native speaker of English would have made.

I pray the reading of this sacred hymn will bring with it attendant blessings from the God the Father of lights, and his Son the King of Light, and the Holy Spirit of truth, one God, in glory everlasting.

[Siobhan]

Ping

[Siobhan]

ping

[Siobhan]

[kerryusama04]

Luke 11: 27-28

[Siobhan]

Maronite ikon: The Praises of Mary Theotokos

[NYer]

Maronite Hymn - "Fee Thoo-Lee"

We run for protection to you
Mary, we come to you for aid.
We implore you turn not away
Mother who must be obeyed.

Perfection of the pure
Mother undefiled.
By your merit plead for us,
let us know your Child.

Mary Heaven's gate
Mother of our Lord
Thru you source of all our hope
Guiding light has poured.

Look down upon us all
serving faithfully
We implore your help and care
at our Mother's knee.

[Salvation]

First Friday Ping!

"The best, the surest , and the most effective way of establishing everlasting peace on the face of the earth is through the great power of perpetual adoration of the Blessed Sacrament." -- Pope John Paul II

"Could you not watch one hour?" -- Mark 14:37

 
Pope Benedict XVI during the Corpus Christi procession

[Siobhan]

Alleluia!
As dew was falling gently
over the city of Ephesus
Saint John wrote to its people.
He instructed them to celebrate
the memory of the Blessed Mary,
three times each year:
In January, during the time of planting of the seeds;
in May, during the time of harvest;
and in August, during the time of the grapes.
For the mysteries of life are prefigured in these months.

[NYer]

From Captivated By Your Teachings, a resource book for Maronite Catholics .......

As First Disciple, Mary is also appropriately called "Mother of the Church." Standing with the Beloved Disciple under the Cross (John 19:34-35), she witnessed the birth of the Church in water (Baptism) and blood (Eucharist), flowing from her dying Son's side. Again, she gathereed with the Apostles and the Disciples on Pentecost to receive the Spirit (Acts 2:1-4). Reflecting on these things, the Constitution on the Church fittingly closed with its Chapter 8 on Mary, declaring her to be "preeminent and .... a wholly unique member of the Church, and ... outstanding model in faith and charity. The Catholic Church taught by the Holy Spirit, honors her with filial affection and devotion as a most beloved mother".

As Mother of the Church, one of Mary's everlasting tasks is to present the Savior to His people, who, as the Community of the Saved rejoice in His presence. This is seen poignantly in the pre-Christmas Feast of the Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth. Our liturgy presents an icon of the whole Church gathering to experience the Lord: the elderly, the young and the unborn. From the Sedro, (which addresses Christ):

You traveled with your mother, Mary,
to visit the aged Elizabeth,
and she rejoiced at your coming ...
Your mother went quickly to the dwelling of Elizabeth,
and you accompanied her ...

Unless another feast is celebrated, on every Wednesday the Maronite Church honors Mary the God-bearer. In the Proemion of this commemoration, we hear:

May we offer glory, praise and honor
to the exalted One, who humbled himself
and exalted the humble Virgin,
to God, who became flesh
and saved our human race;
to the Most High, who lowered Himself
and raised up the lowly.

Of course, these words are addressed to Christ who is eternally the Supreme Intercessor to God for us. To Christ, the good One, are due glory and honor, on this day and all the days of our lives, now and forever. Amen.

[Siobhan]

Bump for the Solemnity of the Assumption.