ROME, Italy
The Teresian Association joins many voices that rise up to ask for peace in the world, particularly in the areas of conflict, such as the Middle East and Africa. It does so with a letter imploring the mediation of Mary on the day of her Assumption. Maite Uribe, President of the Association, and her Governing Council wrote this letter. Members, friends, family, co-workers, youth, children, repeat: Shalom, peace.
Feast of the Assumption 2014
Mary, may our plea for peace rise to Heaven
Mary, woman of Nazareth, may our plea for peace rise up to heaven with you. You, who were always attentive to the needs, the tears and hopes of your people, look on us today with tenderness. Look, and listen to the fervent pleading of entire peoples, especially in the Middle East and Africa. Turn your gaze towards so many women and men, the elderly, children and young people who are suffering terrible violence in the midst of war, sorrow and death.
Mary, one of the “poor of Yahweh”, believer in the God of Abraham and the prophets, who loves life, help us to welcome the mystery of God, who is present and active in the midst of our vulnerable and fragile history. Be our companion, Mary, in our searching and uncertainties. We join you in pleading with the Spirit: Enter the depth of our souls, divine light, and enrich us; see how human life is empty when you are not present; see the power of sin when you do not send your spirit. Send rain where there is drought, heal hearts, wash the stains of guilt away, warm the frozen, bend the stubborn heart and will; guide the steps that go astray. May this Spirit touch the hearts and mentalities of peoples and governments, that there may be true commitment to the common good, to transforming swords into ploughshares, and spears into pruning-hooks. (Isaiah 2:4)
Mary, mother of Jesus the Lord, prince of peace, show us to your Son, that he may give us peace, teach us peace and give us the courage we need to be truly active, to be approachable, to listen, meet, acknowledge, be just and kind in how we treat others. Give us the gifts we need to be persons of dialogue, opportune in what we say, hospitable, with love, forgiveness, service, involvement, commitment, prayer. May Jesus, gentle and humble of heart, show us how to disarm our hands and our hearts; may he give us a heart like his. May we look at others as brothers and sisters, children of the same God, members of the same human family beyond any cultural, social or religious barrier. May we know ourselves to be called to the joy of communion with him and between ourselves, invited to the banquet in the kingdom, to the shared table of peace where those who are the least and those who suffer have first place.
Mary, mother of the church, intercede for it, that it may never close in on itself, or hold back in its passion for the kingdom. May it be a sign and instrument of true peace and reconciliation in the world. May it overcome internal divisions, foster tolerance, persist with ecumenism, promote dialogue among religions and remain agile so as to announce the gospel of peace to every nation, language, people and family. (Rev 14:6)
Mary, hope for all:
- You knew how to store in your heart things that for others would be
- incomprehensible,
- You took to the road seeking refuge to give birth to your son,
- You searched for Jesus when you believed he was lost,
- You were attentive and ensured that the wine did not run out,
- In your son you lived through the pain and senselessness of human egoism,
- You stayed close to the cross,
- You experienced loneliness,
- You hoped when everyone else vacillated,
- You were companion to the early community.
Today, with you, our prayer becomes ever more fervent, more persistent and deeper... Shalom, salaam, peace!
Amen.
Virgin of the Intercession. S. XVI
Teresian Association Governing Council,
Feast of the Assumption 2014.