On the first day of the civil year, the Church sets before us the image of a woman; to guide us into the New Year, there, at the gateway, is Mary, Mother of God and Mother of the Church. As Fr Darren said in his homily, 'The star who guides and leads us to Christ, her Son.'
A good congregation gathered for this noontime Mass and sang the hymns heartily and entered into the payers in a most fervent and devout manner. After the homily and before the Bidding Prayers, the congregation knelt and prayed a prayer of consecration to our Blessed Lady reproduced here for your use:
O Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ, as your Son lay dying upon the cross He gave you to be our Mother too. As we gather now to honour you, and seek your prayerful support, we dedicate and consecrate ourselves, our families and our parish to your powerful intercession. We ask that the cloak of your protection be put around us and that you keep us before the throne of your Son in your prayers.
Dear Lady, obtain for us many graces that we may serve our brothers and sisters. And that in all things, God may have the glory through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Happy New Year!
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