Pastor’s Corner

Dear Sacred Heart Family,

This Sunday we celebrate all Mothers, and Our Lady of Fatima as well. “œMy Immaculate Heart will be your refuge!” This was a central message to each of us when Our Blessed Mother appeared on May 13th, 1917. This happy coincidence of “œcelebrations” today can give us some rich food for thought as we honor our Mothers, and all women who mother and serve.

Our Lady”™s Heart is full of tenderness for each one us, especially because she labored in pain to nurture our spiritual and personal rebirth. Our Lady knows how Jesus embraced us on the cross, she knows what love He poured forth to set us free, and she knows how valuable we are to God. This knowledge also came with a sharing in Christ”™s Passion, and she entered into the mystery of sacrificial love. This was not abstract, it was personal for each one of us. That is why she can say that her heart is our refuge.

This is important to keep in mind as we thank our Mothers for all they have done, and do for us. In the celebrations we have today, we especially also keep in mind all women who suffer because of their unique losses””the end of a pregnancy, the loss of a child, the painful loss of infertility that many suffer in silence. Again, in Our Lady”™s Heart, the love and grace are a healing balm for our pain, struggles, and sufferings.

“œMothers are closer to God than any other creature.” These wise words of Cardinal Mindszenty summarize the special honor we celebrate in our Mothers, and Our Lady of Fatima on this dual celebration. With the wounds our Mothers bear, that children may experience, and that each of us carry, let us bring them to the tender love of the Immaculate Heart of Our Lady of Fatima as we pray for and give thanks for our Mothers, and all women who Mother in our families, society, and parish today.

In Our Lady”™s Immaculate Heart,

Fr. Bjorn Lundberg