It is 22nd August 2018. We celebrate the memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In 1954 Pope Pius XII exalted Mother Mary as the Queen and established this feast with the encyclical, ‘To the Queen of Heaven,’ pointed out that Mary deserves the title because she is Mother of God, and closely associated as the New Eve with Jesus’ redemptive work, through preeminent perfection, and unceasing intercessory power. She is the Queen not by a mere title rather by spiritual merits. The inmates of Heaven rejoiced along with Christ Her Son who honoured Her and crowned Her as the Queen. The pontiff Pius XII, in his Radio message to Fatima, hailed Mary as Queen in the most powerful word: “Jesus is King throughout all eternity by nature and by right of conquest: through Him, with Him, and subordinate to Him, Mary is Queen by grace, by divine relationship, by right of conquest, and by singular choice (of the Father). And her kingdom is as vast as that of her Son and God, since nothing is excluded from her dominion.” Yes, indeed She is the Queen by her humble service, humility and unwavering faithfulness to God. She remains Queen for eternity just being the Mother of Jesus, the Lord and King of the Universe. Elizabeth rightly addressed her, “Mother of my Lord.” (Lk.1:43). Hail, Queen of Heaven intercede for us all to believe in your Only Beloved Son Jesus and to lead others by our charity, love and humility. The readings are from Ezekiel 34:1-11; and the Gospel from Matthew 20:1-16. On this day, we celebrate the feast day of our parish too. She is our patroness and paragon our life. Pope St. John Paul II, in his apostolic letter, ‘Rosarium Virginis Mariae,’ inscribed “Crowned in glory – as she appears in the last glorious mystery (of the Rosary) – Mary shines forth as Queen of the Angels and Saints, the anticipation and the supreme realization of the eschatological state of the Church.” Let us all renew our consecration to Her Immaculate Heart as we celebrate the Queenship of Mary. The first reading warns all the shepherds of Israel who forgot their responsibilities to feed the flock of God. God wants us to bring all the shepherds who care for themselves more the ones that entrusted to their custody. God wants all the leaders to call them to account. When the shepherds have forgotten their duties, God does not want a mere replacement of a shepherd but to bring them to justice for their selfish behaviours. The responsorial Psalm praises, “The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.” (Ps.22:1). The Gospel broadens our minds to accept the plan of God, who is free to choose, exalt and honour whomsoever God wants. “Have I no right to do what I like with my own.” (Mt.20:15). God stands out and surpasses all human calculations and interpretations of justice and peace. May the Lord continue to bless us all through Mary. Our Lady Queen of Peace pray for us all. Wishing all the parishioners a year filled blessings of all kinds through the powerful intercession of our Mother, Our Lady Queen of Peace. Entrusting all people of God to Her maternal guidance and intercession. May you have a good day. God bless you.

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