Memorial Day

Readings for Monday May 31, 2010

Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

First Reading: Zephaniah 3:14-18 or Romans 12:9-16
Responsorial Psalm: Isaiah 12:2-3, 4-6
Gospel: Luke 1:39-56


Today is Memorial Day in the US. For some this is the day that their local pool opens. For others it is a day of family, friends and grilling out. Still for some, it is simply another day off of work and an extension of the weekend. Memorial Day originally was called decoration day, and was a holiday to remember those who had fallen during the Civil War. Many years later it was expanded as a National Holiday in remembrance of the brave soldiers who had given their life during every war and during their military service. Today, let us remember to honor and pray for all those men and women who fought for our freedom, and for those who continue to fight for our freedom. Let us also pray for Mary's intercession, for their is no one who knows more about sacrifice than our Blessed Mother. Let us ask for Mary's prayers that we may be a country under her loving care and that she may lead us closer to her son; so that we may truly be a nation under God.

Hail Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinner now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Glory be to the Father, to the Son, to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be world without end. Amen.