The major events of my life were marked by Mary

I have experienced the maternal protection of the Virgin Mary throughout my life. The most important events of my life have all occurred on a Solemnity of Our Lady:

Birth: May 15 (month of Mary); Baptism: October 1st (month of the Rosary); Confirmation: May 28 (month of Mary); Diaconal ordination: August 22 (Immaculate Heart of Mary); Priestly ordination: December 8 (Immaculate Conception)!

And these: Serious automobile accident: February 11 (Our Lady of Lourdes); Episcopal consecration: February 11 of the following year (Our Lady of Lourdes); Taking canonical possession of my diocese: August 22 (Immaculate Heart of Mary); Departure from my diocese: March 25 (Annunciation of the Lord); Important surgical operation (accident): October 12 (Our Lady of Aparecida)!

As I approach my passage into eternity, I again renew my entire consecration to Mary, Mother of Jesus and our Most Holy Mother, in the certainty that She will never abandon me.

José Silva Chaves, Bishop Emeritus of Uruaçi, Goias (Brazil)

Exclusive Interview for A Moment with Mary

Interview by Thácio Siqueira