[Message from our Executive Director, Daniel Wasserman-Soler]
Dear friends,
Memorial Day was established in 1868, “to pay tribute to individuals who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States and their families.” According to public law 105-225, the president of the United States issues a declaration each year recognizing Memorial Day as a day of prayer:
(1) calling on the people of the United States to observe Memorial Day by praying, according to their individual religious faith, for permanent peace;
(2) designating a period of time on Memorial Day during which the people may unite in prayer for a permanent peace;
(3) calling on the people of the United States to unite in prayer at that time; and
(4) calling on the media to join in observing Memorial Day and the period of prayer
For Catholics, the month of May is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. This year, Memorial Day coincides with the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, celebrated annually on the Monday after Pentecost. This celebration has roots in the ancient Church and became an obligatory memorial recently. The 2018 decree from the Vatican explains that this memorial will help us “to remember that growth in the Christian life must be anchored to the Mystery of the Cross, to the oblation of Christ in the Eucharistic Banquet and to the Mother of the Redeemer and Mother of the Redeemed, the Virgin who makes her offering to God.”
Let us pray today to the Blessed Virgin Mary for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, for their families, and for peace. Mary, Mother of the Church, pray for us!
The designated time of prayer today is 11am, local time.
Yours in Christ,
Daniel Wasserman-Soler
Executive Director
Lumen Christi Institute