Our Lady assumed into heaven, pray for us
As a Missionary of Africa and working in a parish that takes its name from Mary who is Our Lady the Queen Peace, I can attest that the Virgin Mother plays a pivotal role in our missionary journey. Essentially, we participate in the Mission of Christ together with Mary who is his first disciple. No wonder then, our founder Charles Cardinal Lavigerie, from the very inception of our Missionary Society, gave us Mary as Patroness. Her role as the Mother Jesus, her exemplary character, and her potent intercession for the Church brings her closest to us. Thus, Mary’s unwavering faith and obedience serve as a paradigm for our missionary life.
Chosen by God to bear Jesus, Mary became the Mother of the Church, the Spouse of Christ. As the first disciple of her Son, she exemplifies faith and obedience, rendering her an ideal model for our Christian lives. Her unshakeable faith and willingness to follow God’s will, as evident in the Gospels, particularly her acceptance of the divine calling to conceive through the Holy Spirit, underscore her importance in our missions.
Mary’s mission was primarily to bring Christ into the world. Our relationship with her as our Patroness is, therefore, missionary and apostolic. Her role as mother and disciple of Jesus, as well as Mother of the Church, is a profound mystery that shapes our way of living and our missions. As a Missionary of Africa, I find in Mary a wealth of mysteries that have formed and continue to inform my vocation. Her Fiat (YES) shapes my vision of discipleship, enabling me to follow Jesus, to grow in his likeness, and to bear witness to his transforming grace in an Africa tortured by injustice and pain. With her, we unite our sufferings to that of her son for the salvation our continent and of the world.
We entrust our missions to Our Lady of Africa, believing that she intercedes for us. From the beginning, missionaries have prayed through her, seeking her intercession to bring their needs and desires to Jesus. As our patroness, Mary provides protection, support, and guidance, leveraging her love, tenderness and care in us. Our devotion to her is a source of faith, strength, encouragement, and happiness in our missionary life.
We, Missionaries of Africa, celebrate Our Lady of Africa, immersing ourselves in a Marian atmosphere. This feast day marks the blossoming of flowers, symbolizing the rosary beads bursting forth with devotion and prayer. During this time, we deepen our bond with Mary, recognizing her as the perfect example of discipleship. She reveals the secrets of our mission. We turn to her as our model, icon, and protector, finding courage and strength in contemplating the mysteries of Christ’s life.
To conclude, our devotion to Our Lady of Africa is a treasure that contains her Love for our mission and for us, Missionaries. She carries our missions in her heart, accompanying us through challenging moments. By meditating on the life of Christ through Mary’s intercession, we find fulfilment and joy as we go around doing good. We dedicate our lives to her, seeking her guidance and protection.
By: Daniel Massart Upite, M.Afr.