Mary is always near us

Saint Anthony of Padua described the name of Mary as "a strong tower.  The sinner who flees to her," he said, "will be safe.  It is a name sweet name, a name to comfort sinners, a name of blessed hope."

The great Wonder Worker of Padua maintained a great devotion to Our Lady throughout his life and died singing her praises.

In our modern times we have often neglected a devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary because we have forgotten that she is always with us.  We become most aware of her presence during the storms of life when we call upon her as children call upon their mother.  It is right that we do so because Our Savior has entrusted us to her.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, the Associated Press captured this truth of Our Lady in a powerful photograph:

The image of the Blessed Virgin Mary stands unharmed in the midst of the devastation wrought by a fire that destroyed some fifty homes in the Bronx Queens.

Let us pray for those whose lives have been so quickly and tragically affected by this massive storm:

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored they help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. 

Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto 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 your mercy hear and answer me. 

Amen.