Day 7 of Mornings with Mary.
December 7th. is also the anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor by the Japanese.
The feast of the Immaculate Conception is
December 8th.
Our Lady of Guadalupe is the patroness of the
Americas, yes
but
Mary Immaculate Patroness of America
Most Rev. Richard J. Cushing, D.D., LL.D. Archbishop of Boston
As the eighteenth century was drawing to a close, the thirteen English colonies along the North Atlantic coastline declared themselves independent and set up the sovereign nation of the United States of America. It was soon to become a haven for millions fleeing from poverty and oppression. The Catholic Church, up to then, unwelcome, distrusted and despised almost universally throughout the English colonies, was destined to take its place as one of the forces which would make the new nation strong and glorious.
| La Conquistadora
St. Francis Cathedral
Santa Fe, New Mexico |
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The immediate reorganization of the Church in the infant republic so that it might function from Maine to Georgia was beset by great difficulties, many of them insurmountable for the moment. Father John Carroll, chosen for the task, accepted it reluctantly. He well knew that it was too heavy a burden for one person to carry, and he had little confidence in his own ability as an organizer and executive. He did possess, however, one unfailing weapon with which he always attacked every problem, his love of the Blessed Virgin and faith in the power of her intercession. With this weapon he began his career as bishop of Baltimore, his vast diocese which was co-terminous with the new nation. He was consecrated August 15, 1791, and in the first Pastoral Letter which he addressed to his scattered flock, May 28,1792, we read the following dedication of our country to the Mother of God:
World War II was the most devastating war, so far, on the United States.
Is it a coincidence that the feast day of
Mary, of the Immaculate Conception is on
Dec 8th. one day after the bombing of Pearl Harbor and
the feast of
The Assumption of Mary into Heaven is
Aug. 14th.
One day before the unconditional surrender of the Japanese
on
Aug. 15th.
In the United States we feel it was the care and protection of Mary that guided us through this terrible time in our history.
Go here for the many faces of Mary