Throughout her life, Mary's love was put to the test

The life of the Holy Family continued peacefully in Nazareth, both in an ordinary and hidden way. Yet a shadow hung over the family.

Old Simeon, receiving the Infant Jesus in his arms during his Presentation at the Temple, announced the trials ahead. He said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign of contradiction; and you, a sword will pierce your soul." Right from manger, the Cross loomed.

Throughout her life, Mary’s love was tested—the poverty of the manger, the flight into Egypt, the loss of Jesus as a boy in Jerusalem, the taunts of relatives, the conspiracy of the high priests, the desertion of the disciples, and finally the death on the Cross of her beloved Son.

She withstood all this through faith and hope, meditating in her heart the joyful and painful mysteries of the history of salvation. Because of her humility, obedience and faithfulness, Mary has become for those who have recourse to her, a refuge and a path.

To Lucia of Fatima who was worried about the difficulties of her future mission, the Virgin of the Rosary declared: “My Immaculate Heart will be your refuge and the path that will lead you to God.”

Father John

Saint Mary of Lagrasse Abbey (France)