Friends:

November is the month of “All Souls.”  We begin the month with the dual celebration of the Solemnity of All Saints on the 1st, immediately followed on the 2nd with that of All Souls’ Day.  Contemplating, as we ought, the eternal life of the blessed ones and that of our dear departed loved ones for whom we pray, is vital for us who await in hope God’s call to us to join with them in His nearer Presence.  We who are knit together in one communion and fellowship in the mystical body of Christ, the King of Saints, are invited to join in prayer joining with the Saints in that work of interceding for the souls who are now at rest.  We seek the prayers of the Saints for ourselves and for the departed as we pray with them for all who have died.

During the month of November are found two festivals of Our Lady: that of her Presentation celebrated on the 21st; and that under her title of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal on the 27th  “Redeemed by the  by the merits of her Son and united to Him by a close and indissoluble tie, Mary is endowed with the high office and dignity of being the Mother of the Son of God, by which account she is also the beloved daughter of the Father and the temple of the Holy Spirit.  Because of this gift of sublime grace she far surpasses all creatures, both in heaven and on earth….She is the mother of the members of Christ…having cooperated by charity that the faithful might be born in the Church, who are members of that Head..”  (Vatican II)

As we venerate in prayer and devotion Mary, the Mother of God, we not only venerate the noblest of human beings as a miracle of His grace.  With Mary we celebrate God’s mercy and love in taking to Himself human flesh in the Incarnation.  We are given to contemplate in wonder and awe the capacity of our human nature and of matter itself to be a vehicle for the life and grace of God who comes to us in Jesus, born of Mary.  Take the time to celebrate with joy at this season the destiny of our human nature, which will God willing, be glorified as Mary is glorified.  Its is All Saints/All Souls that point us to that destiny, looking ahead to December and the celebration of the Immaculate Conception of Our Lady, and the birth of her Incarnate Son., Jesus.

May you be aided by the prayers of Mary and the Saints; encouraged by their example; and strengthened by their fellowship.

Fr. Lutz.