As we enter into this beautiful Advent season of hope and joyful expectation in the midst of the darkest days of the year, Hawthorn students are turning to Mary, Mother of God, in prayer. The Novena to the Immaculate Conception of Mary started on Saturday, November 30. Since Monday, December 2, after the playing of O Canada and the recital of our usual morning prayer, the Student Council member who shares the morning announcements prayed a Memorare:
REMEMBER, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
Students were also invited to pray for a few minutes after school for other important intentions in the chapel.
In addition to special prayers, readings, and reflections, our devotion also included a greater effort to put loving care into our daily tasks and to draw closer to Jesus through Mary. We are reminded of St. Josemarìa’s strong and comforting words:
You are not alone. Neither you nor I can ever find ourselves alone. And even less if we go to Jesus through Mary, for she is a Mother who will never abandon us. (The Forge, no. 249)
The Novena ended with an all school Mass in the atrium on Monday, December 9 to celebrate the feast of Mary’s Immaculate Conception.
We joined together to wish everyone peace and happiness for this blessed feast day!