Stay prayerful, stay faithful, stay Catholic – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
This
feast is not only a celebration of Christ’s Incarnation but also a
meditation on the response of Mary - her faith, her obedience, and
her humility. It is a moment that encapsulates God’s divine plan
and the cooperation of humanity through the willing consent of one
humble young woman.
The great ascetics of
Christian history - the Desert Fathers - recognised this truth. But
long before St Anthony of Egypt withdrew into the sands, before the
hermits of Scetis built their cells, there was One who walked into
the wilderness first. Christ, the true Desert Father, showed the way.
Her spirituality, often called the "Little Way," has inspired countless souls to seek holiness not through grand deeds, but through small acts of love and trust in God's mercy.
She once wrote, "I would like to find an elevator which would raise me to Jesus, for I am too small to climb the rough stairway of perfection."
In her simplicity, she taught us that striving for sanctity is not about scaling the heights with our own strength but about lifting our foot in trust and allowing God to raise us. This is the essence of climbing the ladder of holiness.
The very first occupation given to humanity in the Bible was that of a gardener. When Adam was created, he was placed in the Garden of Eden and entrusted with its care:
"The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it." (Genesis 2:15, RSV-CE)
This foundational moment in Genesis highlights humanity’s role as stewards of God’s creation. To till and keep the land was not merely a job for Adam but a vocation given to all of humanity - a sacred duty to cherish and protect the earth that God has entrusted to us.
Often called the "king of instruments," the organ has played an integral role in the liturgy, creating an atmosphere of reverence, solemnity, and joy.
From the grand cathedrals of Europe to
the humble parish churches across the world, the organ has been a
steadfast companion to the prayers and hymns of the faithful.
