NBVM Novena Day 7: Thanksgiving for the Lives of Our Lady and Senior Citizens
The 7th day of Novena was a high point of our 10-day journey as we celebrated the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the birthday of Jesus’ mother and mother of the Church, and feast day of our parish.
As with previous days, the celebration commenced with the recitation of the Rosary, followed by Mass. Presider, Rev Fr Ryan, said that it was a day to give thanks for the lives of our Blessed Mother and the senior citizens in our parish.
Speaking further about Mother Mary, Fr Ryan said that our Blessed Mother is special and unique in the eyes of God. This uniqueness is demonstrated in her Immaculate Conception. From the Gospel reading of the day (Matthew 1:18-23), we understand that Mary was chosen to be the mother of God. She received the call and accepted the mission to be the mother of Jesus. Her whole life was a spirit-filled journey, being an instrument of God to bring Christ into the world for the salvation of all. This feast is a celebration of an ordinary woman who was chosen to become the mother of God.
We honour Mary because God has done great things for her (Luke 1:49) – choosing her to be the mother of God, filling her with His Holy Spirit, making her the embodiment of all virtues, and by allowing her to be the most active participant with Christ for our redemption. Her birthday celebration reminds us of the gifts of life and vocation. Mary was faithful to her vocation until the end. Like her, each one of us too has been given a unique mission and are called to do good and to be faithful to God’s call until the end of our lives.
With the focus on senior citizens, Fr Ryan invited the congregation to reflect on the strengths, joys, and pains of senior citizens and also their role in the family, community and Church. In living the many struggles that older persons experience in daily life, he reminded us to keep in mind the words of Jesus “Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.“ (Matthew 11:28)
The Holy Father, Pope Francis in his message to grandparents and elders reminded about the promise Jesus made to all before he ascended to heaven “I am with you always.” (Matthew 28:20) These words give us hope. Do not be afraid therefore in going through the difficult moments in your life. Do not despair. Pope Francis further adds, “The whole Church is close to you, cares about you, loves you and does not want to leave you alone. You can help the young to grow spiritually and morally so that they will be witnesses of Christ. You can also share your experiences so that they can deepen their faith.”
Adding to these, Father Ryan said, “You can mould your family and the young in the community with your knowledge, wisdom and experiences. You can also be a model to young married couples and families. Your faith journey is able to strengthen our journey, it gives us an example to help us to be good disciples of Christ.” He concluded with a word of gratitude and encouragement to the senior citizens, “Thank you for all your contributions, sacrifices, support and talents for the growth of this parish and the kingdom of God. Do not stop, continue to share and bear fruits even in old age (Psalm 92:15).”
Marian Corner
Fr Dom welcomed everyone to spend some time at the Marian Corner in the church where one could light a candle, pray and write petitions to seek Our Lady’s intercession.
Senior citizen choir
The senior citizens made up the choir at the Mass and led the congregation in a beautiful time of worship.
Procession, adoration and benediction
The celebrations continued with a procession within the church compound. The congregation holding candles and singing hymns processed with the statue of Our Lady and the Most Blessed Sacrament. Upon returning to the church, adoration and benediction of the Blessed Sacrament concluded the celebrations of the day.
