by Kay Parlor, Local Pro Sanctity Board President
My heart has been so full of joy since yesterday’s celebration of Our Lady of Trust! Despite an unexpected snow band that swept the region earlier in the day, the room filled with people who have such great love for Our Lady! (And in typical Pro Sanctity fashion, they spanned all walks of life, cultures, and ages.) I can just imagine Our Mother’s joy as she looked down upon all those beautiful faces!
All, young and old, joined in praying a beautiful meditative rosary as the celebration began. Somehow, the little ones knew to behave for “Mama” and the reverence and devotion were keenly apparent. In this age where media-saturated children have developed short attention spans, these precious little ones defied the cultural trend.
We were treated to a beautiful talk about Our Lady given by Fr. Damien Cook, a holy priest of the Archdiocese of Omaha with a deep love for the Mother of Jesus. Fr. Cook masterfully managed to sprinkle humor, scripture, and theology throughout his talk. One of his key themes was from a Latin expression which states, “Of Mary, there is never enough.” Fr. Cook also shared a personal story of Mary’s intercession in his teen years that assured him of the need to trust.
Marian songs composed by member Stephen Tefft (many with lyrics by Bishop Giaquinta) were interspersed throughout the event, creating the perfect atmosphere. As is customary at all Pro Sanctity events, the tables were laden with a wide variety of delicious treats generously provided by our friends.
Long time Pro Sanctity member, Chris Peters, led the children in their own Festival of Faith during Fr. Cook’s talk. Chris is a teacher who just has a special way of relating to relating to young people and she planned fun activities which included a Trust Walk. The older children graciously stepped in to lend a hand with the younger ones in the true spirit of our Pro Sanctity family.
Special thanks go to local board member, Mary Alice Lanspa, who coordinated the celebration. Though she made it look easy, a lot of prayer and work goes into such a big event. Mary Alice attended to every detail, from securing the hall at Mary Our Queen parish (isn’t it appropriate we’d be there on Our Lady’s day?) to inviting our speaker to calling on volunteers to bring treats to finding someone to help with the children’s program and much, much more. It is a delight to see so many of the Pro Sanctity family grow in their love for the Movement and, out of that love and desire to spread the call to holiness, they give so generously of their time and talent.
The memory of this celebration of love for Our Lady of Trust will linger for a long time: as we recall bits of Fr. Cook’s talk that spark reflection, as we pray again the rosary mediations, and as we continue to support each other in growing in holiness!
2 comments:
My comment about the afternoon, and Fr. Cook's talk is on my blog. I hope you'll visit. It's the top post, (so far it's still at the top) titled "What my sins did"
PAX
http://revertconvert.blogspot.com
I so wish Father's talk had been video taped. How I'd love to hear it again and again and to share it with others! Maybe someone could do that sometime, if Father would be willing?
~PAX~
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