“Shout for joy, O daughter Zion! Sing joyfully, O Israel! Be glad and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem!” (Zeph 3:14–18a). Our spirits rejoice with Mary in the greatness of the Lord!

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed” (cf Lk 1:39–56).

“The Lord is good: his kindness endures forever, and his faithfulness, to all generations” (Ps 100). We rejoice in the Lord’s goodness. God’s love is everlasting.

Loving Mother, we entrust to your loving care the poor and vulnerable. Help us to remember them in times of crisis, to pray for them and to help them any way we can.

Today we celebrate the Feast of Pope St. Paul VI, who was responsible for implementing the teachings of Vatican II. Pope Francis has described him as “a prophet of a Church turned outwards, looking to those away and taking care of the poor.” St. Paul VI, pray for us.

Mother of Joy, help us to rejoice in your Son’s presence among us in Word, Sacrament and service. Teach us to be present to all our sisters and brothers, especially those who are who are most in need of our help.

“Father, I wish that, where I am, those you gave me may also be with me, that they may see the glory that you gave me” (Jn 17:24). Jesus longs to have us with him. He loves us and wants us to be one with him.

Blessed Mary, your Son is the light that has risen in our world’s darkness. Help us to brighten our world by being the light of Christ for our sisters and brothers everywhere.

“You have redeemed us, Lord, by your Blood from every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and have made us into a kingdom, priests for our God” (Rev 5:9–10). Our Redeemer unites us in all our diversity.

Holy Mary, on this Memorial Day intercede for all who have died in service to our country and all who are suffering from the pain and cruelty of war. Lead them to the healing power of your Son, Jesus. Mother of God, help us find healing and peace in the Gospel.

Today is the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. “Blest be God the Father, and the Only Begotten Son of God, and also the Holy Spirit, for he has shown us his merciful love” (Antiphon). The Blessed Trinity reveals to us that God is Unity-in-Diversity, a Divine communion of love.

Mary, Mother of the Church, help us to accept the gifts of the Holy Spirit so we can proclaim boldly the joy of the Gospel.

“In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness
and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace”
(Canticle of Zechariah).
The tenderness of God shows us the way to lasting peace.

Please join me in praying for Matteo, Andrew and Joseph today as they give themselves to the Lord as servants of His people. May Christ the Redeemer welcome them and show them His Way.

Mother of Hope, turn your merciful eyes on us, and show us the way to your Son, Jesus. He is our source of peace, love and joy. May we follow him on our synodal journey.

“For as the heavens are high above the earth, so surpassing is the Lord’s kindness toward those who fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has the Lord put our transgressions from us” (Ps 103). God’s love for His Creation immeasurable and unconditional.

Mary, Mother of the Church, pray for us, your children. Help us to care for the earth, our common home. May we make wise decisions today for the benefit of future generations.

“The Lord searches the just and the wicked;
the lover of violence he hates.
For the Lord is just, he loves just deeds;
the upright shall see his face” (Ps 11).
May we end violence by working for justice and peace.

Comfort us, Blessed Mother, as we implore your protection and care. May we find true peace and lasting joy in Christ your Son.

Join @RcanCem at the Memorial Day Masses on Monday, May 27, at 11 AM across various archdiocesan cemeteries as we honor the memory of our fallen heroes and acknowledge the service of veterans and active-duty military personnel.

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