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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.
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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.
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