Monday 22 August

the Queenship of Mary

2 Thessalonians 1:1-5, 11-12; Ps 96;
Matthew 23:13-22

Grace and peace

This week begins four weeks of Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians (II) and to the Corinthians (I). Each letter has this greeting – grace and peace. We might wish to apply these words to the Blessed Virgin Mary: ‘hail, full of grace,’ and ask the intercession of Mary Queen of Peace. A week after the feast of the Assumption we honour Mary as Queen of heaven and earth – the fifth Glorious Mystery of the Rosary. “O Mary, my Queen, I give into your sacred keeping and commend to your special care and protection, my body and soul for this day, and all the days of my life.” (From a prayer of St Aloysius Gonzaga)