"Mary has been the daily companion of my life"

Our Lady, the Mother of Jesus and our Mother, has always had a special place in my family. We used to always pray the Rosary in our home. Our big family stood around my mother. My goodness, how many times did Mother have to interrupt the "Hail Marys" to scold one of us: "Hail Mary, full of grace …Stop it, child!" Then she would continue!

When I was 12, my aunt, who was a nun, gave me the "Treaty on True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin" by Saint Louis de Montfort. From that day on, I renewed my consecration to Our Lady every day, by saying, "I am all yours, O Mary. All that I am and all that I have belong to you." All my life, I will rely on the protection and blessing of Our Lady.

I can testify that the Mother of the Church and beloved Mother of Jesus has been the daily companion of my life, as a layman, as Catholic Action activist, then as a priest, a bishop and now a bishop emeritus. May the true devotion to Mary, the Mother of Jesus and our Mother, reign in all hearts!

Angélico Sândalo Bernardino

Bishop Emeritus of Blumenau, SC (Brazil)

Exclusive Interview by Thácio Siqueira for A Moment with Mary