In keeping with the observation of the 70th
anniversary of the founding of the Diocese of Austin, as well as the centennial
of the appearances of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Fatima, Bishop Joe Vasquez has
decided, upon recommendation of the Priests’ Council, to mark the occasion with
the dedication of the Diocese of Austin to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. We are
doing so this Sunday, December 10.
What is this???? It is certainly not anything I would
have thought of doing. It is a type of action more popular in the past,
especially prior to Vatican Council II, but not so much in recent times.
Indeed, in my nearly 40 years of priesthood have I never run across a
dedication of a parish, organization, or diocese to Mary or any other saint. So
it seems, at least to me, a bit odd and rather unusual. So what is it?
It is first of all a prayer. A rather long prayer, but still a prayer. This prayer,
printed in our worship aid, will be prayed at each Mass this weekend. You are
free, and indeed encouraged, to use the prayer for yourself and your family in
your home.
It is also a pledge
or commitment. By dedication of our Diocese to the Immaculate Heart of Mary
we are pledging ourselves to strive to act more in accordance with the Will of
God, as Mary did. She becomes our example in how to live. Especially in the
section that states: “Assist us to defend
the sanctity of marriage and the family. Teach us to preserve and nurture the
dignity of every human being as children of God.” We are hereby committing
ourselves to act in certain ways, fostering the dignity of every human being.
It is an expression
of hope. As we pray “Awaken in each
of us a desire to draw ever closer to your beloved Son” we are expressing
our desire to live more and more as the brothers and sisters of Jesus, with Mary
as our spiritual mother.
Finally, it is a reminder.
This dedication is an opportunity to remind us our special relationship to
Jesus and to His Mother Mary. It is therefore a reminder that we are called and
empowered to be, and to live, as the children of God.
In these ways, the dedication of our Diocese to the
Immaculate Heart of Mary makes sense, but ONLY
if we live it out.
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