Dear Parishioners,

On August the 15th, the Solemnity of Mary’s Assumption, those present at the 7:00pm liturgy called upon God to bless our newly fashioned statue of the Madonna and Child. It was a simple but festive rite at which the artist, Wiktor Szostalo, was present. It was a privilege, not only to have this international sculptor join us for the celebration, but to also have him to speak to those gathered about his background and vocation as an artist along with his unique approach to art, especially sculpture.

The “Prayer of Blessing” that was offered as part of the ritual is a beautiful example of how a liturgical text incorporates biblical imagery in order to unfold the theological meaning of the object being blessed, as well as the person whom the object represents, in this case, the Virgin Mary. I offer the “Prayer of Blessing” for our ongoing reflection.

Lord God, we acknowledge your infinite glory and the abundance of your gifts.

Before the foundation of the world, you appointed Christ the beginning and end of all things.

You chose the Blessed Virgin Mary as the mother and companion of your Son,
the image and model of the church,
the Mother and advocate of us all.

She is the new Eve, through whom you restored what the first Eve had lost.
She is the daughter of Zion, who echoed in her heart
the longings of the patriarchs, and the hopes of Israel.

She is the poor and lowly servant,
who trusted solely in her Lord.

In the fullness of time she was delivered of the Sun of Justice,
the dayspring from on high,
your Son, Jesus Christ.

In her flesh she was his mother,
in her person, his disciple,
in her love, his servant.

Father, we ask beseech you to bless this statue + of Mary and her child Jesus,
that your children have provided.
May we know her protection,
and trace in our hearts, the pattern of her holiness.

Bless us with faith and hope, love and humility;
bless us with strength in hardship and self-respect in poverty;
bless us with patience in adversity and kindheartedness in times of plenty.

May we search for peace, strive for justice and realize your love,
as we pursue our journey through life
toward your heavenly city
where the Blessed Virgin Mary intercedes as Mother and reigns as Queen.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

BACK TO LIST BACK