Look to Mary This May

Bishop Stephen J Berg
Apr 30
2 min read

On this day, May 1, we crown Mary, Queen of May. In the midst of the Easter Season and the beginning of spring, we give gratitude to God for the Queen of Creation. In this season of Confirmations, where candidates seal their baptismal gift of the Holy Spirit with their affirming Yes to God, it is important to remember that Mary was the first to receive this gift. Called to be mother of the Messiah at the Annunciation, immediately upon her Yes, “Let it be done to me according to thy will,” Jesus was conceived in her womb. Through the same Holy Spirit being confirmed in our brothers and sisters across the diocese.

"In the midst of the Easter Season and the beginning of spring, we give gratitude to God for the Queen of Creation."

On this Confirmation tour, Mary is always with us. Thus far we have celebrated beautiful Liturgies in Lamar, La Junta, Trinidad, Pagosa Springs and Durango. Over the weekend we will celebrate in Grand Junction and Montrose. We are seeing the fruits of lowering the age for confirmation, with a selection of candidates from middle through high school and adults. The education process now engages this diverse age group as a community, and the support factor within each parish is heartening. The number of candidates has now, to this point, begun to exceed our pre-Covid ministries.

We are especially grateful to those Directors, Religious Education Teachers, OCIA Leaders, sponsors and parents who have worked to bring the message of Jesus to those seeking to enter the Church. It is truly a vocation for special people who pray and patiently work to bring the image of Jesus forward, allowing Him to enter into deeper relationship with His children seeking the sacraments.

"We are especially grateful to those Directors, Religious Education Teachers, OCIA Leaders, sponsors and parents who have worked to bring the message of Jesus to those seeking to enter the Church."

Look to Mary this day. She is the woman of listening, of trust, and surrender. Pray to her for what you need. Jesus listens to her. And, with Mary, in the Holy Spirit, turn to Jesus, surrender, and talk to Him. Make this a new springtime in your relationship. As we are blessed throughout southern Colorado and over the western slope, with faith, family and community, so we are blessed in heaven with Our Father, Son, Holy Spirit, an army of angels and saints, and, of course, our Blessed Mother, Mary. Look to Mary, and surrender to Jesus!

+Most Reverend Stephen J. Berg

Bishop of Pueblo

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