Consolation of Christ Bereavement Ministry

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Our Lady, Queen of the Franciscan Family

Feast Day: December 15

As Thomas of Celano tells us in his Second Life of St. Francis, "what is a very special source of joy is the fact that he chose her (Mary) as the Patroness of his order; and he entrusted to her shielding mantle his children whom he was to leave that she might guard and protect them unto the end."

In 1910 Pope S Pius X permitted the members of the three orders of St. Francis to add to the Litany of Loreto the invocation: "Queen of the Franciscan Order, pray for us!" And in 1950 Pope Pius XII granted them a special feast, with a proper office and Mass, honoring Our Lady as Queen of the Franciscan Order.

The day chosen for this feast is December 15, formerly the octave day of the Immaculate Conception. The children of St. Francis through the centuries have always distinguished themselves by their devotion to Mary and by their efforts to promote this devotion among the faithful.

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One of our special Patronesses joins us during weekend retreats. Our relic of St. John Neumann is at her feet.

"God enriched her so wonderfully from the treasury of His divinity, far beyond all angels and saints with the abundance of all heavenly gifts, that she . . .should show forth such fullness of innocence and holiness, than which a greater under God is unthinkable and which, beside God, no one can even conceive in thought." (Pius IX)

Oh, Queen of the Apostles conceived without sin, Pray for those who have recourse to thee.
 
Oh, Queen of the Angels conceived without sin, Pray for those who have recourse to thee.
 
Oh, Queen of the Franciscan Family conceived without sin, Pray for those who have recourse to thee.

Pray for peace through the powerful intercession of Jesus, Mary, St. Michael and St. Francis.