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“Be It Done Unto Me”

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A Reflection on Mary’s Fiat and the Humility of God Today we celebrate a mystery so profound that heaven itself bowed low to meet the earth: the moment when the eternal Son of God took flesh in the womb of a humble young woman from Nazareth. The beauty of this moment lies not only in its cosmic significance but in how quietly it unfolds. In the homily we reflect upon today, we are invited to look again—with wonder—at the Annunciation and the heart of Our Blessed Mother. The Greatness of God Revealed in Littleness God’s ways are always surprising. He who created the galaxies chose to enter the world through a village barely known, in a small house without grandeur. This is not an accident—it is the very logic of divine love. God delights in using what is little, simple, and hidden to reveal His glory. Jesus Himself would later proclaim: “You have revealed these things to the little ones.” The Annunciation reveals a God who does not overwhelm humanity but approaches it gently. He chooses...

“Feed My Lambs”: Tending to the Heart of Our Youth and Young Adults

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Reflections Inspired by Pope Leo XIV’s Digital Encounter with Youth In John 21:15, the Risen Jesus turns to Peter with a question that is both tender and commanding: “Do you love Me?” And when Peter answers yes, Jesus entrusts him with a mission: “Feed My Lambs.” This mandate is not only for Peter. It is entrusted to the entire Church—including our Families in Christ Jesus Community here in Virginia . And today, as we reflect on the powerful message of Pope Leo XIV in his recent digital encounter with young people, we hear this call with renewed clarity: Our youth and young adults are the lambs Christ asks us to feed— to know, to accompany, to guide, and to love. The Heart of Pope Leo XIV’s Message: “You Are Not Just the Future—You Are the Present.” Throughout his dialogue with youth from across the United States, Pope Leo XIV emphasized a truth that should awaken every parish, household, and ministry team: “You are not only the future of the Church. You are the present.” This is n...

Mary, Mother of God: Clarifying the Titles and Deepening Devotion

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" The Virgin in Prayer "  by the Giovanni Battista Salvi da Sassoferrato;  painted circa 1640–1650; Oil on canvas; housed in the National Gallery in London, UK . Recent guidance from the Vatican, through the Doctrinal Note Mater Populi Fidelis (Mother of the Faithful People), offers important clarity on how Catholics should properly understand the Virgin Mary's role in the work of salvation. This teaching affirms the beautiful truth about Mary while ensuring our focus remains firmly fixed on Jesus Christ, the one and only Savior. Part I: The Vatican's Clarification on Mary’s Cooperation The document addresses requests to define a fifth Marian dogma, particularly concerning the titles "Co-redemptrix" and "Mediatrix of all graces." A. The Ruling on Controversial Titles "Co-redemptrix" is Ruled Out: The Teaching: The document states that the use of this title is inappropriate . The Reason: It risks obscuring the truth of Christ's uni...