Franciscans of the Immaculate Announce 'A Day with Mary' Devotions
"Jesus wishes to establish in the world devotion to my Immaculate Heart." -- Our Lady to Sister Lucia, June 13, 1917. The Franciscans of the Immaculata offer a newly formulated day of instruction, devotion & intercession, based on the message, given at Fatima in 1917.
Fairhaven, MA (PRWEB) April 29, 2007 -- The Marian apostolate known as "Day with Mary" began in England in 1986 through the instrumentality of a man named Claudio lo Sterzo. Italian by birth, he moved to London and there got married and raised his family. Between the months of January and February of 1986, he was inspired to begin this Marian day with Mary, by the message of Our Lady of Fatima: "prayer and penance for the conversion of sinners." Note that the date and location of the event are to be determined by the hosting parish.
It was on the 25th of October 1986 that the first "A Day with Mary" actually began and was held at the Cathedral of the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton. From that day on this apostolate grew rapidly as Claudio received numerous requests to do "A Day with Mary" in parishes. Even on this very days, the ADWM is done every Saturday of the year in different parishes, shrines and oratories in London and other places in England.
What takes place in "A Day with Mary"?
This Marian apostolate (ADWM) is a public religious activity, comprising of Eucharistic and Marian devotions in accordance with the official liturgical directives of the Church. This "day" is inspired by the message of Our Lady of Fatima especially her call to prayer and penance for the conversion of sinners and sanctification of souls. The well-organized day lasts about 6 to 8 hours with various activities in schedule: recitation of Holy Rosaries, Marian talks and conferences, Eucharistic Adoration and Holy Mass, Stations of the Cross and Marian hymns that spice the whole day to be a truly comprehensive compendium of Catholic devotions. This "day" is also an opportunity for the participants to obtain plenary indulgence to be applied for the souls of the faithful departed.
The Franciscans of the Immaculate and ADWM
In 1992, an Italian priest of the Franciscans of the Immaculate, Fr. Alessandro Apollonio, FI was visiting England to learn the English language. He providentially saw the poster of "A Day with Mary" displayed in the Church of a religious community where he was staying. After a short inquiry from some members of the said community, he joined one of these "Days with Mary" held in St. Aloysius Parish Church maintained by the Oratorians in Oxford. He was fascinated and delighted with this apostolate that when he returned back to Italy he related this to Fr. Stefano M. Manelli, the founder and Minister General of the Franciscans of the Immaculate. He obtained permission and blessing from him to begin this apostolate as well in Italy. After several contacts and correspondence with Claudio Lo Sterzo, the first "Day with Mary" in Italy was held in September, 1993 in the Holy Shrine of Loreto. Numerous Franciscan friars and sisters of the Immaculate, together with hundreds of lay faithful attended the event.
ADWM goes to the World
Through the collaboration of the Franciscans of the Immaculate (friars, sisters and tertiaries) the ADWM spread to different continents where there are missions of the Franciscans of the Immaculate. From the Philippines to Australia, from Brazil to United States, from Africa to Italy, several "Days with Mary" are continuously being conducted.
From its humble beginning to the present stupendous growth, one can see that this apostolate is guided by the maternal care of the Immaculate Virgin of Fatima who must have been pleased of what is taking place in these activities. For in these days of Mary, hearts are informed about the faith, conversions take place through the sacrament of penance, praise and honor rise to the heavenly court in honor of the Heavenly Queen and thus giving God the possible maximum glory. The "Day with Mary" is the practical affirmation of the doctrine of Mary's mediating role in bringing salvation and sanctification to souls.
The Franciscans of the Immaculate promulgate ADWM
"A Day with Mary", promulgated by our apostolate, is a day of prayer organized by the Mission of the Immaculate Mediatrix Movement, which is founded and guided by the Franciscans of the Immaculate (friars and sisters). Being inspired by the spirituality of St. Maximilian M. Kolbe, the new Institute is characterized as Franciscan, Marian and missionary.
The "Day with Mary" is based on the message of Our Lady of Fatima in 1917. Our Lady requested:
"Pray, pray much: make sacrifices for poor sinners; there are many souls who go to hell because there is no one who prays and do penance for them."
Similarly, as the three shepherds, we want to respond concretely to this appeal of Our Lady with joy and generosity.
The Activities of the Day:
The day of prayer begins with a brief account of the story of Fatima (sometimes accompanied by film showing if available) and proceeds to liturgical activities with the procession and crowning of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Church. The day is divided with prayers and Marian hymns, talks and conferences and Eucharistic adoration. This culminates in the celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
The recitation of the Holy Rosary and the meditation of on the Way of the Cross, consists of special moments of graces since they are done in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament.
The first part of the day concludes with packed lunch. This is a moment where participants can get to know each other better and help one another understand ways to praise and honor Our Blessed Lady .
The day concludes with the Eucharistic benediction and the blessing of religious objects/statues (if any). It is also an opportunity for those who want to be imposed with the Miraculous Medals or be clothed with the Brown Scapular of Mt. Carmel.
There is an priest available for the whole day to hear confession or spiritual direction so as to obtain plenary indulgence that can be applied for the faithful departed.
As a conclusion, a final procession with the statue of Our Lady of Fatima takes place. It is through this gesture that the "World Apostolate for Fatima" received the title of the "Pilgrim Virgin". Ad Jesum per Marian!
To request the Franciscans of the Immaculata to visit your parish to organize "A Day with Mary", contact a friar or sister here: http://marymediatrix.com/adwm/contact.htm
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