From the Pastor

A young girl was walking along a beach upon which thousands of starfish had been washed up during a terrible storm. When she came to each starfish, she would pick it up and throw it back into the ocean.
People watched her with amusement.

She had been doing this for some time when a man approached her and said, “Little girl, why are you doing this? Look at this beach! You can’t save all these starfish. You can’t begin to make a difference!”

The girl seemed crushed, suddenly deflated. But after a few moments, she bent down, picked up another starfish, and hurled it as far as she could into the ocean. Then she looked up at the man and replied,
“Well, I made a difference for that one!”

The old man looked at the girl inquisitively and thought about what she had done and said.
Inspired, he joined the little girl in throwing starfish back into the sea. Soon others joined, and all the starfish were saved.
-adapted from “The Star Thrower” by Loren C. Eiseley

Carry your candle, run to the darkness. Seek out the helpless, deceived, and poor. Hold out your candle for all to see it. Take your candle and go light your world.

This weekend’s Gospel is meant to be a shot to the bow- a reminder that each of us have been challenged to make a difference in this world. All of us have been called, by virtue of our baptism-
to get out there and make this world a better place.

It’s easy for us to get overwhelmed by the sheer volume of problems in out there- or worse, to be self-satisfied that we’re doing enough. There is also the possibility that we can be fooled by others we’ve all been, taken in; it’s happened to everyone who has reached out- it’s part of the package of any kind of ministry.
We can never do enough- but that can’t deter us.

What God may be calling us to do may seem overwhelming to us- but we need to understand that all what we do is to bring Christ through us to those around us and start from there. It may call us out of our comfort zone but we need to pray for the courage to listen and respond. The winds of change are always blowing, but we should welcome them-
the Holy Spirit is calling- I pray we all listen… and respond.


”Go light your world” was written by Christopher Rice

ADULT CONFIRMATION CLASSES – PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD

Full adult membership in the Roman Catholic Church is achieved with the reception of the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation. Most Catholics born into our faith receive Baptism as infants and Eucharist in the second grade. Usually, Confirmation is received in the tenth Grade. Due to circumstances of all kinds,
a significant number of adults have never received the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Maybe… It’s Time: to deepen your relationship with God who loves and cares about you. To re-engage
your world again as a Catholic more informed about your faith and its impact in your life. To re-new yourself and
others through the unique power of the Holy Spirit who guides us in Love and Truth.

Candidates 18 years of age or older will attend seven 90-minute classes with orientation on
Wednesday evening at 6:30 on January 25th.
Please contact Sr. Nancy Citro, SNDdeN at 617-242-4664 or ncitro@stmarystcatherine.org for additional
details and to register for the program.

The Dreamer

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. envisioned a community of goodwill and understanding that “does not begin by discriminating between worthy and unworthy people … It begins by loving others for their sakes.” Let us thank God for the leadership and vision of Martin Luther King Jr. who incorporated Gospel values in the non-violent struggle for equality, justice, freedom and peace for all human beings. “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.”

Join us for Mass at 9:00 a.m. in St. Catherine of Siena Chapel on Mon., Jan. 16.
(The Parish Center will be closed that day.)

A million days… in everyone I’ve seen Your face…
I know I’d never be alone.
Even if darkness comes our way…
For You… all the stars are singing.
With You… everyday I’m feeling… Alive.
A Million Stars, written by Michael W. Smith

In 1996, I was privileged to go to the Olympic Games in Atlanta. It was an amazing experience- I attended several events and met people from all over the world. Many people remember that Games by that terrible act of terrorism that shook us all. I was far away from that scene, but I went in the next day (I had a ticket to an event), and I remember stopping in the middle the stadium, in the middle of the fear and worry around the world, to see the Olympic torch, burning brightly.

There was a determination that day I experienced from everyone around me that the light of human possibility, symbolized by that torch, was not going out by violence, hatred, or fear. After a respectful moment of silence and prayer, the crowd cheered loudly, joyfully, and fearlessly that day as the great athletes took to the track, representing their countries, representing hope. Hope won all the glory that day.

The glorious feast day of Epiphany (Christmas to our brothers and sisters in Christian Eastern churches) speaks of the light Isaiah prophesied the star that led the Magi to the Christ child, the glory of the Lord that shines to all people of good will. Yes, the Christmas season is concluding for us, but I pray the light of joy and peace we feel in Christ shines in us on
the Epiphany Day, and through us to a world so lost in the darkness of fear and doubt.

A friend of mine reminds me that we’re called to be stained-glass windows of Christ, to let the light He is to shine through us in different colors, different ways. The beautiful windows of our parish churches teach and inspire us with the lives of our Lord, his Mother, great saints, martyrs, and teachers of our faith. They allowed the light of Christ shine through their lives, all in different ways. Now, it is a new time. Let’s return the favor by reflecting that light to others with our hope, our confidence, our love.

Christ, be our light.

With You… everyday I’m feeling… Alive.

It’s a new year with new hopes and possibilities! There is much to do, and beautifully, we begin around Mary, the Mother of God. We begin with words of hope on the World Day of Prayer for Peace- we pray for peace in our hearts, our homes, our town, our country, and our world.

There is much we see every day that can send us into worry and even despair, but Mary challenges us to stand courageously and not fear! Peace does not mean just quietly getting along with others, it often means to speak and act out on behalf of others- for life, for dignity, for justice, for Christ!

The winds of change are cleansing and refreshing. As Catholics, may we be the voices which effect change in our world- by our words, our actions, our very selves, we are called to live out the Christmas challenge to proclaim Christ in our world- for the poor, the sick, the troubled, the forgotten. It may bring about discord for others, but only from those who are afraid- we’re not afraid to speak, to act, to live, for Christ!

~ Fr. John Sheridan

Thank You

Thank you – to all of those who took time out of their busy holiday schedules, and/or used their talents and treasure to help out with the Christmas activities of Saint Mary – Saint Catherine of Siena Parish. To those who helped clean and decorate our Church for Christmas – thank you.

To those who picked up the flowers and delivered them to our church – thank you.

For the Advent Wreaths in our Church and chapel – thank you.

For the wreaths that are on the front doors of our Church – thank you

To all of you who pulled a tag from the giving trees or donated a gift to someone in
need. Thank you

To those who so generously donated to Harvest on Vine food pantry – thank you.

To those who helped deliver the gifts – thank you

To all the Altar Servers, Eucharistic Ministers, Greeters, Lectors, Musicians, Singers,
and Ushers who assisted in our Liturgies – thank you.

To Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, and Santa – thank you.

To all who celebrated Christmas with us, and those travelling who kept us in prayer –
thank you

Your generosity is a true reflection of Christ and you are all appreciated very much!

and so she rocks Him gently, she knows she’s been a part
of something more she can ever ponder in her heart.
The past has been confusing, but the future’s looking bright…
‘cause Mary holds the Light in arms tonight.
From Mary holds the Light by Clay Crosse

I begin with the warmest of wishes for a Blessed Christmas for each one of you, your families and all those you love. May the peace and hope of the newborn Christ rest and rise in your hearts and souls this happy day and throughout the year to come.

I am very grateful to the incredible group of people in both parishes who give of themselves every day so selflessly- top-notch staffs, Councils, volunteers and so many people who very quietly, heroically, and lovingly do the work of the Church. I thank those who give so generously their time, talent, and treasure throughout this year of often tumultuous change.
We are blessed in so many ways.

The light that drew the shepherds and Magi is within us, now- it’s our vocation- each of us- to share it with the world- may that light reflect and attract others- not just by its brightness, but by its warmth. Encourage someone you love to join you at Mass. We’re called to be light to others- and the light is Christ. Let it shine. Merry Christmas!

This is an important step in our parishes’ collaboration, the development of a combined bulletin. I am very grateful to Dianne Ludy and Joan Rae for their cooperation in bring it together. As we begin this venture, we may have a lip up or two, and I encourage your input and response in putting together something we all turn to for information, inspiration, and enlightenment. May our Blessed Mother guide us through this period of transition to where He is calling us to be.
Thank you!

I took my tree down to the shore, the garland, and the silver star…
to find my peace and grieve no more… to find some peace inside my heart.
On every branch I laid some bread, and hungry birds filled up the sky.
they rang like bells around my head, they sang my spirit back to life.
One tiny child can change the world, one shining light can show the way…
through all my tears for what I’ve lost, there’s still my joy for Christmas Day.

From There’s Still My Joy, written by Melissa Manchester and Carole Bayer Sager

This past week has been difficult for so many in our Town- we had four funerals- and I hope that the warmth that Christmas will bring will give us hope to look ahead to the promise of eternal Christ bring us. I urge you as we turn the corner and look ahead to find the light present in the memories of all those we remember and the light shining in the eyes of expectant children and all people who look with joyful hope for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Next week the bulletins of St. Mary- St. Catherine and St. Francis will be combined- I want to stress that this is not a merging of the parishes- this is a way to facilitate a closer relationship- I believe that it will prove to be a convenient and helpful way to share information. Soon we will be recasting our Mass schedule- daily and weekend- to make it more accessible for everyone. I hope you will encourage your neighbors and friends to join us for Christmas Masses at our Churches. Though we’re all too aware that the Covid nightmare
we’ve been walking through isn’t over yet by a long shot, the numbers of folks coming week after week to our churches I pray give us all a sense of hope and optimism, and my prayer is that it will continue to grow beginning this holy season and throughout the coming year.

As we rejoice in the season of light, we pray for our Jewish brothers and sisters, who mark the joyous season of Chanukah, as they struggle throughout our country with a troubling surge of antisemitism. May we speak out- through our words and actions- in defense and love of our sisters and brothers.

As children, we all loved to be surprised- whether a visit from a beloved family member or if we received a surprise gift, we lived in joyful hope that life would send us on another adventure. As we grew older, we grew less fond of those surprises and became afraid of the unexpected, our hearts hardened by our previous experiences.

There are people all around us who live unafraid of the challenges and opportunities that wait around us- these are the people who truly discover that though it can seem difficult, there is much to be treasured, enjoyed, and looked forward to- those are truly happy people in our world- who discover the presence of Christ every day.

This time of year is a time for the unexpected- a time to discover the presence of God in our midst and allow ourselves to be thrown off course a bit and discover something we’ve missed. In all the hype of this season, the lights, colors, and chaos, may hearts search for the Christ Child present in the people, places, and moments we least expect, and truly rejoice in finding Him, at Christmas and every day of our lives!

A few cinematic suggestions for the Season

As we make our way through these Advent days, it’s easy for us to miss so many ways to make them meaningful- to dwell in the mystery of this holy season. Please take time with loved ones to get inspired!

For the adults, the beautiful The Nativity Story (2006) is a work of cinematic art- it seems as if you are walking with Mary and Joseph on their way to Bethlehem. It is moving and carefully done.

For the kids, the animated film The Star is well done, though there is a lot of unnecessary fiction that pads the story. The depiction of Mary is meaningful, and the music is excellent!

For the whole family, it’s hard to beat the Muppets’ Christmas Carol- charming in a number of ways. Michael Caine is superb as Ebenezer Scrooge, Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchit and with the whole Muppet family, is funny and warm- with Gonzo as a very accurate, may I add, narrator, it’s very smart!

Fr. John

Growing up in Newton in December was very interesting. So many of our classmates and friends weren’t Christian, and I often wondered what folks of other faiths thought at this time as our world is filled with music, laughter, lights, and food, leading up to the unabashed joy of Christmas Day.

December brings so much to all of us- so many memories- many very happy, some difficult, too. Some reach back and yearn for a time that has passed. Others look ahead.

As much as Advent calls us to look ahead with joy, it calls us to focus, to prepare our hearts, minds, and souls for the coming Savior. How beautiful that in the midst of the chaos this season brings that we should pause and rejoice in the Blessed Mother on the feast of her Immaculate Conception. She, in her humility, her openness, and her love calls us to slow down, to find comfort and courage and look ahead to her Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

During this season when we seem to rush around at a dizzying pace, let’s take time to pause and learn from our Blessed Mother to look beyond the displays and find the presence of Christ. She is pointing Him out, encouraging us to look to Him, to follow Him.

I grew up a stone’s throw away from an historic place: Echo Bridge. It spanned two towns- Newton and Needham, and it’s a great place to take a quiet walk and admire nature as it changes through the seasons. When I think of parishes working together as we are beginning to do, I always think about bridges, starting with Echo.

St Mary- St. Catherine and St. Francis de Sales parishes are beginning the process of building a bridge- becoming a collaborative. Our parishes, rich in history and with so much to share, will embark on a mission to work closer together. How? That remains to be seen. This will be my third collaborative, and each came into their own in different ways. We will share not only a pastor, but we’ll also share supplies, facilities, liturgies, communications, schedules, councils and more.

There will be changes as time goes by, and I’m going to lean on the strength and ask for the counsel and support of our staff, and parish pastoral and finance councils as we walk through the decisions. The Archdiocese will help us, giving us assistance, recognizing that we will cross our bridge as God calls us here, in our own way.

I want to make it clear that as we begin this new period that what makes each parish extraordinary remains as it is. As you heard me say last weekend, I’m here to build. It’s going to take a while, I ask your patience, as well as your prayers.

Fr. John

With Christmas coming we’ll need help with the additional worshipers that will be coming into the Parish for Christmas Eve Family Mass at 4pm, Christmas Day Mass at 8am and 10:30am. We need Ushers to help with quickly assisting with collection and helping greeters finding seats during mass. If you can help please email dludy@stmarystcatherine.org

or call 617-242-4664. Please note which mass you will be able to help with and be willing to be available 15-30 mins prior to mass.

There are Christmas Flower envelopes in the back of the Church for those who would like to make a donation in memory of a loved one. The flowers are placed on the Altar for Christmas. Be sure to include the name of your loved one on the envelope. Names submitted by Friday, December 16 will be included in the bulletin for Christmas. All names received after that date will be added to a future bulletin. You may drop the envelope in the collection basket or mail to the Parish Center at 46 Winthrop Street.
Thank you.

GIVING TREES!

As is our tradition, your generosity provides Christmas aid to St. Mary Center for Women and Children, Charlestown Recovery House, Veterans Shelter, our Parish’s Conference of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, and Sisters of Saint Joseph Prison Ministry.

Due to COVID restrictions, some of our giving tree tags request gift cards or monetary donations. Please see specifics below:
 St. Mary Center for Woman & Children—specific request for a gift.
 Charlestown Recovery House – please give a gift card, T-Pass, or Dunkin Donuts gift card.
 Veterans Shelter — please give a gift card, T-Pass, or Dunkin Donuts gift card.
 St. Vincent de Paul Society— a monetary donation is requested for clients in our Parish who have many different needs, ie. rental assistance, beds, and a myriad of other requests.

Checks should be made payable to St. Vincent de Paul Society.

 Sisters of St. Joseph Prison Ministry – Due to Dept. of Corrections security regulations, monetary donations are requested. The Chaplain will buy needed items such as combs, shampoo, soap, deodorant, calendars, lotion, tooth paste, stationary, and pens which will then be inspected by DOC.

Once the items are approved by security, the items will be assembled in gift bags within the prison by Chaplaincy Volunteers. Checks should be made payable to Sisters of St. Joseph Prison Ministry”

Donations may be placed under the tree. Please place the tree tag on the outside of the gift/envelope. Please submit your donations by December 20th for delivery.

Advent is my favorite time of year- the world is transforming, and hopes are high- we’re all looking forward to things to come. Plans are being made, dreams are shared, and the Scriptures sing of prophets with messages of hope. It’s a time of beginnings- and we begin together here in this great town of rich history and cutting-edge hopes for the future. Both parishes have great histories and traditions (thank you, Frs. Mahoney, Ronan, and Frs. Vin & Ron) and I’m privileged to help write the next chapter of what’s ahead.

An introduction, I believe, is in order: My father, Denis, came from Louisburg, Co. Mayo, my mom, Elizabeth, was baptized right round the corner from here at St. Joseph’s in Somerville and grew up in Waltham and Newtonville (they met while she was working at Filene’s in town).

I grew up the eighth of nine siblings (who I am very close to) in Newton Upper Falls, went to Mary Immaculate of Lourdes parish and through the Newton Public Schools, and entered the seminary in 1982. I was ordained on June 16, 1990, and have served in a variety of places, in city, suburban and even rural parishes.

I am a part of the Vatican II/Pope John Paul II generation, inspired by his call on that rainy day in 1979 in the Boston Common, challenged and encouraged to minister to all peoples, especially the poor. I am a devoted Bruins fan (I can recite the entire ‘71-72 roster) and Red Sox fan, and enjoy movies, music, and technology.

I come here as pastor of two parishes with the goal of building a collaborative- something I’ve done twice before and look forward to being about again- working with staff, councils, and the people of the parishes of Charlestown. I’m already impressed with what I’ve already seen, and I can’t wait to get to it.

The first weekend of Advent marks the beginning of the liturgical year, and the perfect opportunity to start. May our Blessed Mother bless us as we begin together. St. Mary, St. Catherine of Siena, and St. Francis de Sales, pray for us.

Fr. Sheridan

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception

We are celebrating the feast on Wednesday, December 7 with a vigil Mass at 6:30 pm in the Church and an 8:00 Mass on December 8 in the Church. It is a Holy Day of Obligation.

Advent Prayer and Reconciliation Service Thursday, December 15 at 6:30 p.m. in Saint Mary’s Church.

The Advent Season is an appropriate time of year to reflect on our lives in a Sacramental way,
and to engage in special moments of prayer to prepare for a new birth of Christ in our hearts this Christmas season.
It’s a time to set our course for the New Year!
Let’s come together as a community of faith and give ourselves the gift of time to slow down and ponder the many ways in which God blesses and sustains each of us in our daily lives, and longs to grow closer to us with unconditional love.
At the conclusion of the Service, if you choose, you may receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation privately with a priest. We hope you will join us for this extraordinary time of prayer.

2022 Finance Reports

On Friday, September 2nd, we received the good news that Cardinal Seán O’Malley has appointed Fr. John Sheridan as Pastor of St. Francis de Sales and St. Mary-St. Catherine of Siena Parishes.

A native of Newton, he was ordained in 1990 and has served in a variety of assignments in the Archdiocese including Pastor of St. James Parish, Salem; the Cranberry Catholic Collaborative in Middleboro, Lakeville, and Rochester; and currently of Blessed Mother of the Morning Star Collaborative in Revere, Chelsea, and Everett.

Because of commitments Fr. Sheridan has in his current Parish, he will begin his work among our Parish and St. Francis de Sales Parish on the first weekend of Advent, November 26/27. Fr. Sheridan is from a big family and loves sports, music, technology, and movies.

Fr. Sheridan has done a number of Masses on Catholic TV. If you would like to hear one of his homilies, you can see him on youtube.com or catholictv.org or tune in this September 24th for the 9:30 am Mass.

Let us offer prayers of thanksgiving to God and let us pray for Fr. John Sheridan, that he may be granted all of the graces he needs as he begins the process of completing his work at his current Parish and transitions to our Parishes in Charlestown.

TO STRUGGLE By Fr. Ronan (reprint with updates)

Once I heard it said that if it were possible for one to bundle into a package all of one’s problems and struggles and place it in a bucket and everyone else did the same, and then each could select the bundle one preferred to carry, one would choose one’s own. Of course, I question how valid such a theory might be. Rather it seems that, objectively speaking at least, some struggles are more difficult to carry than others.

The privilege of being a parish priest invites me into numerous realities of people’s lives. For example, I just hung up the phone with a man who explained he has been diagnosed with ALS. Earlier in the day, I spoke with a family whose precious son lives with autism. Walking across town on my way to Mass, a parishioner stopped and asked if I would bless the three little children he had with him who had been in an abusive home and now live with him and his wife.

Not all struggles appear huge and often one’s problems and suffering are not obvious. At other times, our challenges are very public and the pain is, too. We work at convincing ourselves that we should be able to manage things on our own. Perhaps we feel too ashamed and fear being judged negatively so much so that we cannot imagine the benefits that can come from sharing our situations with others. And so we deny ourselves the opportunity to receive support from those who are ready and willing to listen and walk with us.

Suffering is a part of life and no life seems to escape it. Depending on one’s support systems, which often times include reliance on God’s grace and a faith community to support them, there are individuals and families who are gifted with the courage and perseverance to forge ahead in the midst of life’s struggles, pains and losses. As a priest, I have witnessed that faith, prayer, and community are always invaluable resources for us, but especially when we are in pain. The recognition that “I am not alone in my struggle” is crucial.

Our Charlestown community is equipped with professionals who are eager and competent to help, but also there are persons in our community ready to be a source of friendship and support. Truth is, no one is truly independent and no one can make it on his or her own – we all need one another. And even more so, we need God, Who is waiting for us and Who knows us so well and loves us so deeply and unconditionally. Perhaps this realization is one of the gifts that come from suffering.

The month of September is designated as National Recovery month. Every year the Charlestown Coalition collaborates with other groups in our town to offer various events which increase awareness of substance use, prevention, and recovery, and to remember those who, sadly, have lost their lives as a result of substance use. Our Parish often remembers these intentions in our Prayers of the Faithful at our Masses.

On Sunday evening, September 18th, we will gather at the 6PM Mass, as we have done in Septembers past, to especially pray for those in recovery, those who struggle with substance use, and for their families. The Paschal Candle will be lit in remembrance of those who have lost their lives to this dreadful disease. After Mass, you may inscribe the names of those you want included in our Parish Book of Intentions and they will be lifted up in prayer at every Mass. All are warmly welcomed to join us in this time of prayer and always.

We thought you might enjoy a
reprint of an article by Fr. Ronan

I was twenty years old and finishing my second year of college when my parents decided it was time to sell the family home in Dorchester. Some of my older siblings had already moved on and I was the youngest. The neighborhood had changed a lot and my Dad planned to semi-retire and make a move to a smaller home in the suburbs. I spent a lot of that summer cleaning, moving and packing, and remembering. What a great old house that was and how hard it was to say goodbye – to change and to move on.

My story and memories are no different then those of so many of you as well, I imagine. We have all gone through changes in life – it is simply part of the journey. And if there has not been too much changing in your life – just wait a minute – something will come along real soon! Changes in the Church are sort of like changes in our homes and families – they are so close and personal to us. Of course we all come to realize that change is inevitable in all but the most fundamental things.

For example, our faith that sustains us daily; the love we share in families and friendships and the hope that is ours for tomorrow and into the future. These are all constants and we depend upon them each day. Our faith, hope and love may grow, be challenged and be taken for granted – but they are cornerstones of our life. It seems so much else changes. People, relationships, experiences, work, institutions, products, places and on and on – all come and go, leaving us to cope with an ever changing landscape.

And how do we cope as men and women of Faith with the changes in our lives and world? Some see changes as conspiracy and are threatened by change. Others see changes as exciting and inevitable and positive. Some are indifferent, others passionate about holding on to whatever.

For me, 6 Percival Street is gone – forever. All that was important in my life that happened at 6 Percival Street is a part of me and my brothers and sisters and our lives. Saying goodbye was hard as it often is. But, saying goodbye usually means we are saying hello as well. And if my history is any indication of my journey, and maybe yours, God has always been active in both the goodbyes and hellos – sustaining, helping guiding. In fact, it is in exactly the act of letting go of what is comfortable and familiar that we are invited to trust in the God who knows us so well and loves us so much. Sustained by this trust, we can go forward with hope.

Fr. Ronan

Prayer for Labor Day

On this weekend, when we rest from our usual labors, loving God, we pray for all
those who shoulder the tasks of human labor—
in the marketplace, in factories and offices, in the professions, and
in family living.

We thank you, Lord, for the gift and opportunity of work;
may our efforts always be pure of heart, for the good of others and
the glory of your name.

We lift up to you all who long for just employment and
those who work to defend the rights and needs of workers everywhere.
May those of us who are now retired always remember
that we still make a valuable contribution to our Church and our
world by our prayers and deeds of charity.

May our working and our resting all give praise to you
until the day we share together in eternal rest with all our departed
in your Kingdom as you live and reign Father, Son, and Holy
Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

September 8 – The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Church has celebrated Mary’s birth since at least the sixth century. A September birth was chosen because the Eastern
Church begins its Church year with September. The September 8 date helped determine the date for the feast of the Immaculate
Conception on December 8. Scripture does not give an account of Mary’s birth. However, the apocryphal Protoevangelium of James fills in the gap.
According to this account, Anna and Joachim are infertile but pray for a child. They receive the promise of a child who will advance God’s plan of salvation for the world. Such a story, like many biblical counterparts, stresses the special presence of God in Mary’s life from the beginning.
Saint Augustine connects Mary’s birth with Jesus’ saving work. “She is the flower of the field from whom bloomed the precious lily of the valley. Through her birth the nature inherited from our first parents is changed.” The opening prayer at Mass speaks of the birth of Mary’s Son as the dawn of our salvation, and asks for an increase of peace.