Novena for the Feast of the Presentation of Mary – November 13–21, 2026

With Mary, presenting herself in the Temple,
let us live the Fruits of the Spirit

Novena of preparation for the Feast of the Presentation of Mary
November 13 – 21, 2026

ALL FOR GOD! ALL THROUGH HOLY LOVE!

All who are being led by the Spirit of God,
these are the sons of God.
Rom 8:14

Dear Sisters,

and the entire Spiritual Family of Saint Marie Rivier,

Today we begin the Novena of preparation for the Feast of the Presentation of Mary on November 21st. We celebrate it with great solemnity, in the joy of being together, in hope for the future, in the love that governs life rooted in Jesus Christ, who is the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, he will have the light of life Jn 8:12.

Together to make Jesus Christ known and loved!

The theme of our novena is: With Mary, presenting herself in the Temple, let us live the Fruits of the Spirit. Saint Paul, in his letter to the Galatians 5:22-23, presents these fruits: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, benevolence, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Day after day, we are called to live them, as a source of life in abundance, a divine work, a community project, a mission of zeal, through the transformation of our lives, in the following of Jesus Christ. We have all shared in its fullness, we have received grace after grace Jn 1:16.

The Spirit makes us live, let us walk under the guidance of the Spirit Gal 5:25. During this pilgrimage, the Virgin Mary is our guide, our teacher, our counsellor. She draws upon us the Spirit of holiness. The humble Virgin Mary, the freest of God’s creatures, is our model of availability and self-giving. We look to her as we journey in hope. C 48

Living according to the Spirit, letting ourselves be guided by his presence, his gifts and his grace, transforms our life as disciples of the Master and radiates trust. Pope Leo XIV says: “to live in docility and listening, to welcome the Word of God with humility and to be attentive to the inspirations of the Spirit. This presupposes spiritual vigilance to avoid passing illusions. The action of the Holy Spirit is not abstract: it is expressed in fraternal charity, dialogue and social responsibility. The Christian faith is never separated from justice and care for the most vulnerable. The search for unity and peace must always be present. The Holy Spirit builds the Church into one Mystical Body. ».

Mary’s prayer teaches us that all true holiness is the holiness the Spirit accomplishes in us when we let ourselves be fashioned by him. C 78

In communion with my councillors, I wish you a fervent Novena and a very beautiful feast of the Presentation of Mary.

Sister Maria dos Anjos Alves, p.m.
Superior General

The more we love one another, the happier we are. Marie Rivier.

True love means putting oneself at the service of others, making oneself available with all that you have. Pope Francis.

True love is not passive. Mary does not remain focused on herself or on the privilege of having been chosen by God. She gets up, she leaves, she acts. To love is to go out of oneself to reach out to the other, especially when he or she is in need.

Hymn:

Psalms of the day:

Word of God: Lk 1:39-45

Reflection

Mary “went out in haste” to help her cousin Elizabeth, who was also pregnant. An example of a genuine spirit of service, which does not allow itself to be delayed by personal considerations, but which responds quickly to the needs of others. This service can be costly in terms of effort, patience, and worry, but it is a path to spiritual ascension, a path to “access heaven.” The Virgin Mary is presented as a model of love and service, emphasizing her humility, her readiness to help others and her total abandonment to God’s will. Her life of service was the result of her faith and inner joy, not a mere obligation. Pope Francis 37th World Youth Day.

Mary could have focused on herself and her own worries and fears about her new condition. Instead, she entrusted herself entirely to God. Her thoughts turned to Elizabeth. She got up and set off, towards the world of life and movement. Even though the angel’s astonishing message had upset her plans, the young Mary did not remain paralyzed, for within her was Jesus, the power of the resurrection and of new life. Within her, Mary already carried the Lamb who had been slain and yet lived. She gets up and sets out, because she is certain that God’s plan is the best plan for her life. Mary becomes a temple of God, an image of the pilgrim Church, a Church that goes forward to serve, a Church that brings the good news to all!

Mary teaches us that true love is translated into concrete actions, not just words. Mary does not come to be admired or to speak of herself. She arrives as a servant. She never puts forward what she carries within her, the Son of God, but she makes herself available. Mary teaches us that true love brings God to others, sometimes without speech, simply by what we are.

Mary’s humility and altruism are the expression of her deep love for God. Her greatness lies not in the search for recognition or power, but in her attitude as a humble servant. With simplicity and discretion, she puts herself at the service of others, attentive to their needs. Thus, when she went to Elizabeth, she acted with generosity and eagerness, finding in the gift of herself her joy and her reason for living. True Devotion to Mary, St. Louis De Montfort

Saint Marie Rivier constantly reminded her daughters that charity should distinguish them from other believers, making them known everywhere as true disciples of Jesus Christ and true servants of Mary. Spirit and Virtues

God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them (1 Jn 4:12, 16).

Questions

Lord, when I discover the needs of those around me, what is my first inner movement?

Am I trying to protect myself, justify myself, or avoid getting involved, or is my heart open to compassion, listening, and service?

Holy Spirit, where are you calling me today to grow in generosity?

Canticle of Mary

The humble Virgin Mary, the freest of God’s creatures, is our model of availability and self-giving. C 48

Intercessory Prayer:

1. Holy Spirit, come to rest on us and envelop us in your light. Fill our hearts with the humble, sincere and generous love that dwelt in Mary’s heart, a love that gives itself without expecting anything in return.

2. Teach us to look at each person with Mary’s tender gaze, to welcome their needs with delicacy and to bear their joys and sorrows with faithful compassion.

3. Make us attentive, available and merciful servants, following the example of Mary, faithful to the Father’s will from her “yes” of the Annunciation to her loving presence at the foot of the Cross.

Our Father…

Prayer

God our Father, you who gave us the Virgin Mary as a model and school of true love, grant us, through her maternal intercession, the grace to give ourselves unreservedly, to open our hands and hearts to our brothers and sisters, and to let your love spread throughout our lives. May we, following the example of the Virgin Mary, learn to love with humility, generosity and fidelity. Amen.

Mary is the cause of our joy, because she gives us Christ and leads us unceasingly to him. In her Magnificat, she proclaims: “My soul rejoices in God my Saviour”, revealing a deep joy that is born of her faith, her humble surrender to the will of God and her communion with Him. This joy does not depend on circumstances, but on the certainty of God’s presence and love. Through her witness and intercession, Mary invites us to turn to Christ, the source of true joy, so that our hearts may be filled with the hope and salvation that he offers us.

Hymn:

Psalms of the day:

Word of God: Lk 1:46-49

Reflection:

In the Magnificat, Mary reveals the deep source of her joy: God himself. She rejoices not primarily in what she receives, but in the one she welcomes. “My soul magnifies the Lord” shows that her whole life is turned towards God. “My spirit rejoices in God my Saviour” expresses an inward and stable joy that does not depend on external circumstances.

Mary’s joy is deeply rooted in humility. She doesn’t deny her humility, but she doesn’t cling to it either. She lets God act. In religious life, this challenges us to give up our self-importance, comparison, and discouragement. True joy is not found in gratitude or success in ministry, but in letting God be great in us. Pope Leo XIV

Mary lived her joy by opening herself totally to God’s grace, meditating on his Word in her heart and fully embracing her divine motherhood and her participation in Christ’s mission and suffering, which makes her a model of faith, hope and love that shows us Jesus as the source of all joy, even in the midst of pain. Her joy was intrinsically linked to carrying Jesus, the “Joy of the whole world”, and opening her heart to Him and to all humanity through Him. She found deep joy and communion in the love of Christ, even in His suffering, silently following Him to the Cross and accepting His gift of love. Saint Pope John Paul II, Redemptoris Mater (1987)

Mary teaches us that the path to happiness is to make of ourselves a joyful gift to God and to others. The details of how we do this differ from person to person. God calls each one of us to our unique vocation. Whatever our vocation, we will find happiness to the extent that we give ourselves to others and do God’s will. Then we too will be able to say with joy, like Mary: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done for me according to your word. Sr. Kathryn James Hermes, FSP March 18, 2021

Questions

Joy is a profound state of the soul that is born of its union with God and the presence of the Holy Spirit. That is why Mary’s joy remained unshaken, even when she was told that a sword would pierce her heart. Her joy was rooted not in circumstances, but in her trust in God.

Where do I draw my joy from today?

What helps me remain in the joy of Christ, no matter what trials or situations I am currently experiencing?

Canticle of Mary

We are called to live in thanksgiving and the ever-renewed joy of Mary’s Magnificat. C 49

Intercessory Prayer

1. Virgin Mary, open our hearts to Christ, the source of all joy, so that we may welcome his Word and his presence in the Eucharist.

2. Virgin Mary, you who answered “yes” to God’s call, help us to be witnesses of hope and true joy in the world.

3. Virgin Mary, teach us to trust in God’s promises and to welcome Christ every day with faith and love.

Our Father…

Prayer

God our Father, you have given us the Virgin Mary as a model of true joy. Grant us, through her intercession, the grace to bring hope and to restore joy to those who have lost it, through the witness of our lives, our words and our gestures of charity. We ask you through Christ our Lord. Amen

“Mary retained all these events and meditated on them in her heart.” Acts 1:2

The Virgin Mary is a model of inner peace, gentleness and trust in God. In the midst of trials and uncertainties, she was able to keep a peaceful heart, open to God’s action. Even when she didn’t fully understand the events she was experiencing, she chose to trust. Her example invites us to cultivate serenity, hope and surrender into God’s hands, despite the challenges of life.

Hymn:

Psalms of the day:

Word of God: Philippians 4:6-7

Paul encourages believers not to be overwhelmed by their worries, or even by the guilt of having those worries, but to look to God’s presence in prayer, to present these sources of worry to Him, trusting that God will respond. He shows how prayer leads to the peace of God, because the peace that God gives protects us “through Jesus Christ”, since it is through Jesus that we can have a relationship with God. If we have faith in Him, we can enjoy God’s blessings. The peace we desire is deeper than the peace the world can give us.

Inner peace is hope and trust in our relationship with Christ, regardless of what is happening in the world or in our lives. It is a conscious decision, a search for Christ that brings emotional stability. Inner peace is not an answer, but the assurance that Christ is present and in us. “You are not alone: I give you my peace .” As St. Benedict writes in The Rule, “we must seek peace and pursue it” RB Prologue 17.

Mary is often seen as the model of the soul that has already passed through its “night” to reach a state of “fiat” or perfect surrender. Her inner peace is not the absence of external trials, but the fruit of the absence of inner attachments.

In essence, Mary represents the perfection of the experience of the “dark night”: a soul that has completely detached itself from itself and all created things, finding its total and peaceful rest in God alone, regardless of the intensity of the external or internal pain. Our Dark Night, Catholic Position, March 17, 2021.

We choose peace, choosing to live according to God’s will. Inner peace extends beyond ourselves to our neighbours and to all of creation. Peace comes with the trust that we are loved, that God is trustworthy, that there is a calming presence working within us to relieve tension. St. Benedict teaches his monks: “Seek peace and pursue it.” Peace is much deeper than simply avoiding conflict. Inner peace gives us the ability to let go of bitterness and focus on helping others and sharing kindness. August 2020 Oblate Reflections and Lectio Divina Fr Volker

Questions

Mary is the example par excellence of a soul united to God, inhabited by a profound peace that “neither the world nor the devil can give or take away”.

In light of her testimony, how can I learn to live with a peaceful heart in the midst of daily trials and challenges?

Canticle of Mary:

Behold, the handmaid of the Lord; let all things be done to me according to your word. Luke 1:38

Intercessory Prayer

1. Most holy Father, in the silence of our interior storms, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, envelop us in your tenderness and let the peace that reveals your presence dwell in our hearts.

2. Loving Father, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, soothe our troubled hearts and fill them with your love, so that your peace may dwell in us.

3. Most holy Father, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, make us instruments of your peace. May your love, forgiveness and hope shine through our words and actions.

Our Father…

Prayer

God our Father, we bless you for the precious gift of Mary, a woman of peace and silence, who kept her heart serene as she lived the mysteries of her life. Through her tender and powerful intercession, grant that we may receive this same inner strength and live it every day in Christ our Lord. Amen.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, showed deep perseverance and endurance throughout her life by maintaining unwavering faith, confidence and courage in the face of immense, often traumatic challenges. Her endurance is characterized not only by her actions, but also by her persevering silence, a quiet and prayerful strength that surrendered to God’s will despite deep suffering. She persevered through this fear with “courageous faith,” saying “yes” to a future she did not fully understand.

Patience is therefore not a passive waiting. It is moving forward intentionally, one small step at a time, even when we’re sometimes unsure of where we’re going, trusting that the journey is just as important as the destination.

Hymn:

Psalms of the day:

Word of God: Jn 19:25-27

Reflection:

Standing before the cross, Mary reveals her silent endurance. Standing where many could not, she remains where others have fled. She observes what she cannot prevent. It is not a passive resignation, but a faithful presence. Mary’s silence at the foot of the cross teaches us that the deepest faith is not expressed by explanations, but by perseverance. She can’t change the present moment, but she doesn’t abandon it. She cannot suppress the pain, but she refuses to turn away. Her endurance is a love that remains.

In Redemptorist Mater §18, Pope John Paul II reflects on Mary at Calvary as the culminating moment of her pilgrimage of faith. He teaches that at the foot of the cross, Mary’s faith is tested in an unprecedented way: the promises made at the Annunciation seem to collapse as her Son dies in humiliation. Yet she remains united to him in obedience and trust. This is patience in suffering.

Mary’s silence is not an absence of words, but the presence of a faith that listens. Her silence at the foot of the Cross is a silence of deep participation, of offering and of suffering shared with her Son. General Audience, December 1996, Pope John Paul II

God has given us the Blessed Virgin Mary as a model of all the virtues, but especially as an example of patience. Mary’s whole life was a continuous exercise of patience. Compassion alone for the sufferings of the Redeemer is sufficient to make her a martyr of patience. It was her patience that brought us a life of grace. It is also patience that makes saints. Marita Aranha, February 16, 2024

Questions:

Mary remained patient and constant throughout her life, trusting in God even when she did not understand. How do I react to the challenges of everyday life?

Am I patiently trusting God’s divine will for me?

Canticle of Mary:

Mary kept all these things in her heart and meditated on them. Luke 2:19

Intercessory Prayer

1. Mary, woman of silent patience, teach us to encounter God in silence, so that we may remain firmly attached to his Word, the foundation and sustainment of our faith.

2. Mary, woman of silent patience, when the wait becomes long and our strength is exhausted, teach us to continue to wait with love and trust. May the peace of your heart shape ours and teach us to surrender to God’s time, as you have done throughout your life.

3. Mary, woman of silent patience, you have gone through great trials with grace, courage and fidelity. Obtain for us the gift of inner strength. Help us to accept our difficulties with patience, to persevere in hope and to keep our gaze fixed on the Lord.

4. Mary, woman of silence, teach us to welcome silence as a precious gift, so that we can listen attentively to God’s voice, discern his will and let his Spirit transform our hearts.

Our Father…

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of Mary, whose silent patience and unwavering trust light up our lives like a beacon in the night. Following her example, teach us to welcome and meditate on your Word in the silence of our hearts. Give us the grace to await with faith and hope the fulfilment of your plans, even when the path seems dark. Like Mary, may we know how to abandon ourselves to your will with confidence, certain that you direct all things for the good of those who love you. Amen.

Mary, Mother of Jesus, spent her whole life transmitting the light and love of God. She did not seek to draw attention to herself, but rather to show gentleness and delicacy towards others. This woman, whose life was marked by humble and faithful kindness, invites us to slow down and notice the beauty of small gestures of love.

Hymn:

Psalms of the day:

The Word of God: Jn 2:1-11

Reflection:

Before anyone notices the problem, Mary notices that the wine has run out. This may seem like an insignificant detail, but in a wedding party, it would have been very embarrassing for the hosts. Mary’s heart is sensitive to this hidden need. She doesn’t make a scene and doesn’t demand anything. Instead, she simply presents the need to Jesus: “They have no more wine.” In a few words, Mary shows the role she continues to play for us: she notices what we lack and presents it to her Son. His attention is gentle, observant, and compassionate.

Then she turns to the servants and says, “Do whatever he tells you.” She does not lead us to herself, but to Jesus, to put trust in Him and to obey Him. When Mary presents our needs to Christ, He responds with a generosity that far exceeds our expectations. What was at first only a discreet concern becomes a sign of God’s overflowing grace.

Mary shows us that true kindness is quickly manifested towards others. Her life teaches us that when we carry Christ in our hearts and make ourselves generously available, our presence can become a discreet blessing in the lives of those around us.

Mary is attentive, she cares about the needs of others. She is not turned in on herself, nor is she only concerned with her little world. Her love makes her “open” to others. She does not seek to be noticed, does not complain or criticize the situation, but acts discreetly, silently, presenting our needs to Jesus. Pope Francis BOLIVIA AND PARAGUAY (5-13 JULY 2015)

St. Peter Damian says that Mary’s greatness does not make her proud, because it gives her more power to help others. Mary’s mercy, now that she is in heaven, exceeds the mercy she had for us when she was on earth. N° 244 She is a treasure of kindness, amiable and courteous to all. The Glories of Mary N° 247

Mary’s goodness is rooted in humility and self-denial, shifting the focus from “self” to “the other” and to God. This is the example we are invited to imitate, especially today when the spirit of individualism dominates the heart of humanity. “Mary is a powerful witness to God’s tenderness. She opens her heart to all who call upon her, and her love and compassion are always available to us. Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R. Archbishop of Newark

Questions

Like Mary, are we vigilant and attentive to the needs of those around us?

Do we have the courage to welcome, with tenderness and goodness, the difficulties and problems of those close to us?

Canticle of Mary:

A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25

Intercessory Prayer

Inspired by the example of Mary, a reflection of God’s meekness and goodness, let us offer our prayers to the Lord with confidence.

1. Following the example of Mary, may we reflect in our mission the humble, merciful and compassionate heart of Christ. May we be a living sign of God’s love for all, let us pray to the Lord.

2. For all families, so that their homes may be places of peace, patience, mutual understanding and faithful love, in the image of Mary who welcomed and served God’s plan with trust, let us pray to the Lord.

3. For our community, so that we may grow in attention to the needs of our brothers and sisters and respond with generosity, availability and compassion to the Lord’s calls, let us pray to the Lord.

Our Father…

Prayer

God of love, you have given us Mary as a model of goodness and fidelity. Help us to imitate her spirit of service, her sensitivity to the needs of others, and her unwavering love, in moments of joy and in times of trial. We ask you through Christ our Lord. Amen.

In Mary, kindness is intimately linked to benevolence; These two notions are inseparable, because benevolence and kindness are both qualities and acts. Kindness is taking benevolence to a higher level. It is to bless someone, to make a special effort to do good to others.

This is what Mary, our mother, experienced. She always reached out to others. From the time of the Annunciation, her soul became a “welcoming heart”, a dwelling place entirely open to the will of God, even when it was mysterious or demanding.In Mary, creative kindness is the concrete model not only of being kind, but it is a moral force that chooses love even when it is expensive. Her goodness is not a passive trait; it is an active and attentive love that perfectly reflects the love of God.

Hymn:

Psalms of the day:

Word of God: 1 Corinthians 13:7

Reflection:

In Mary, this word is not only an idea; it becomes a way of life, discreet and profound. She does not make big speeches, but throughout her life, reveals a gaze inhabited by love.

A maternal and loving gaze, full of compassion. A gaze that reflects the beauty of God, a gaze that offers tender mercy and brings peace, light and hope to our wounded world. It is a powerful gaze of compassion that sees the intrinsic value of others, offering comfort to the oppressed and fostering trust and spiritual renewal. She is always ready not only to reaffirm her kindness, but to surpass herself, so that when such mercy is manifested, even if it is poorly received, even greater blessings are poured out. It is as if our abyss attracts her light. And the more we flee from her, the more she extends to us the graces she has obtained, projecting her light in our direction. Dr. Plinio. São Paulo, Year III. No. 142 (January 2010); p. 20-25

Mary’s kindness is a look of trust. She does not distrust or suspect anyone but rather believes in the possibility of good. At the foot of the cross, all seems lost. And yet, Mary remains there. She hopes, beyond all visible hope. She remains unwavering in her loyalty.

The kindness of the Virgin Mary is a “gaze of trust” on our humanity by offering a maternal, non-judgmental, and compassionate gaze that sees beyond our sins and failures, inviting us to believe in God’s mercy and to find refuge in it, even when we feel unworthy. This gaze, often experienced through her intercession or in reflection on her life, encourages believers to trust in the divine benevolence and to hope in the ultimate redemption.

Her kindness then becomes a source of hope for others: she does not despair, she never tires of loving. Mary’s kindness brings hope by constantly referring to Jesus, serving as a maternal anchor in the storms of life, and offering a model for transforming despair into a witness of grace. Her kindness was a bearer of hope; it was building a bridge between a human problem and a divine solution.

In Mary, kindness is not simply gentleness; it is an inner strength. She has a heart that does not condemn, a look that trusts and a presence that hopes until the end. To live like Mary is to choose, every day, to look at others, not with our fears or our limitations, but with a heart enlarged by the love of God.

In a world that often builds walls, her life reminds us that the greatest strength lies in being completely open to love. The Virgin Mary has a huge heart, open to all without distinction. Her gentle and constant kindness welcomes people who are tired, wounded or in search of hope. Far from being diminished by suffering, her heart expanded at the foot of the cross to embrace all humanity as her children. Through her motherly compassion and faithful intercession, she constantly guides believers to her Son, Jesus, offering comfort, hope and support to all who feel alone, lost or tired. Pope Francis’s address during the 2016 Jubilee Year of Mercy.

Question:

Following the example of Mary, what choices can I make today to reflect God’s kindness in my community and for the people I meet in my ministry?

Canticle of Mary:

The God of mercy calls us to be kind; with Mary, let us sing of his goodness for all peoples.

Intercessory Prayer

1. Holy Mary, full of grace and gentleness, teach us to accept with patience the weaknesses of our brothers and sisters and to respond to each one with kindness and mercy

2. Holy Mary, you continued to believe at the foot of the Cross. Help us to recognize the good in each person and to build communities based on trust and mutual encouragement.

3. Holy Mary, always attentive to the needs of others, teach us to serve with generosity and humility, seeking the good of our brothers and sisters before our own.

Our Father…

Prayer

God of love, who in the Blessed Virgin Mary has given us the perfect model of a love that endures all things, believes all things, and hopes all things, grant us, through her maternal intercession, the grace to live in a spirit of kindness and charity towards one another. Amen.

Take Mary’s faithfulness as a model. Become “weavers of hope” by actively bringing the presence of Jesus into the modern world. “Live a fidelity that engenders hope ” Pope Leo XIV

In Redemptoris Mater, St. John Paul II describes Mary’s faithfulness as a “pilgrimage of faith,” emphasizing that her faithfulness was not an isolated moment, but a continuous journey that found its fulfilment at the foot of the Cross.

Hymn:

Psalms of the day:

Word of God: Jn 19:26-27

Reflection:

At the foot of the cross, Mary’s “creative fidelity” shines forth as a radical refusal to abandon her son. While most of her followers fled in fear, she remained steadfast, absorbing the immense pain of the moment. She actively gave birth to a new community of grace, transforming her unbearable grief into an unwavering spiritual motherhood. This exchange is much more than practical help to a grieving widow; it is an act of a deep creative fidelity that redefines what it means to be a family and a disciple. Yes, it was there, at the foot of the cross, that Mary pronounced her second “Fiat”: her fidelity to the cross was a renewal of her original “Yes”. While her first Fiat was pronounced in joy, this second was pronounced in the “darkness” of Calvary. She remained faithful by trusting in God’s word, even when it was humanly impossible to understand it. Let us make our own, like Mary, these words of Pope Leo XIV: “Ours is the ‘yes’ to his love that can change everything.” Homily for 15 August 2025

While trauma and terror cause others to disperse, Mary’s creative fidelity is defined by her deliberate and upright presence. She does not turn her gaze away from the agony; on the contrary, she remains present to the mystery of God’s plan, showing that true love endures even when it hurts.

Mary’s faithfulness implied a “stripping of self” (kenosis). She “consented to the immolation of the Victim, born of her own flesh”, thus showing that her fidelity was an active participation in Christ’s redemptive work. Inspired by Mary’s journey, from the joy of the Annunciation to the suffering of the Cross, her spiritual journey invites us to move away from a rigid faith frozen by rules. Rather, it calls us to cultivate a living, relationship-based trust by learning to anchor our hearts in God.

Her fidelity at the foot of the Cross was creative, for it transformed her motherhood. As daughters of Saint Marie Rivier, we must be creative. She responded to the needs of her time, and she expects us to do the same. We must always be ready to change, to move, not to “settle down”. Let us seek and respond to the needs and signs of our time. This helps us to keep the charism of our Congregation and our commitment fresh, alive and relevant. Consecrated life is not called to repeat what the founder did, but to do what the founder would do today, faithful to the Spirit, responding to the apostolic needs of our time.

Question:

How did a commitment you made in the past lead you to adapt and creatively look for new ways to stay faithful to it today?

Canticle of Mary:

With Mary, let us walk in renewed fidelity; like her, let us welcome God’s will every day with an open and trusting heart.

Intercessory Prayer:

1. When our lives are turned upside down, teach us, like Mary, to ponder on the events in our hearts rather than to give in to fear or discouragement.

2. When God’s paths remain mysterious to us, help us to abandon ourselves fully to his will with faith and trust, following the example of Mary.

3. Pour your grace into our sometimes-restless hearts and give us the strength to remain faithful to our commitments to you, to our brothers and sisters and to our vocation.

Our Father…

Prayer

Heavenly Father, give us the grace and courage to remain standing in the midst of the trials of our world, bringing your peaceful and life-giving presence to those who suffer. May our first “yes” to your call grow and be renewed every day, so that our trials may become a path of transformation and a true pilgrimage of faith. We ask you through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Mary chose gentleness as a sign of her deep humility and total surrender to God’s will. She never doubted God’s will in her life, but she trusted Him. The spirit of gentleness is a courageous spiritual strength, not a weakness. Mary speaks little and listens. She values and respects everyone. Mary’s gentle heart teaches us to respond with love, gentleness and patience. Her silence and gentleness are powerful. A maternal comfort that transcends words and touches the human heart deeply. Pope Benedict XVI once beautifully summed up this truth: “Mary is a gentle and reassuring presence. With her discreet attitude, she gives everyone peace and hope, both in the happy and the sad moments of life. »

Hymn:

Psalms of the day:

Word of God: Lk 1:30-38

“Let it be done to me according to your word.” Allowing oneself to be used by God is a difficult thing. This requires that we be willing to let ourselves be led in directions that are different than we would have chosen otherwise. It requires that we be willing to put our lives in the hands of someone greater than ourselves. It also requires that we be ready to respond to the Lord’s call as Mary did.

It was she who “kept all these things, meditating on them in her heart ” (Lk 2:19). Mary was able to recognize the traces of the Spirit of God in events, great and small. She constantly contemplated the mystery of God in our world, in human history and in her daily life. Her gentleness pushed her to go and meet humanity. It is this interaction between justice and tenderness, between contemplation and concern for others, that makes the ecclesial community look to Mary as a model of evangelization. We implore her maternal intercession so that the Church may become a home for many peoples, a mother for all peoples. 288 EV. Gaudium

Mary wants us to choose the spirit of gentleness, because it reveals the heart of God. It is neither weakness nor passivity; rather, it is a force guided by love and self-control. A person does not seek to dominate or hurt others, but chooses kindness, patience, and understanding, even in difficult situations. It is to allow God’s will to be fulfilled in us. Jesus himself described his heart as “meek and humble.” Although he possessed all power, he approached the weak, the sinners and the suffering with tenderness and compassion. Gentleness has the power to heal. It allows us to correct others without humiliating them and to speak the truth without losing charity. Norberto Eyule, 30 days with Marie, May 18, 2025

Mary allowed herself to be guided by the Holy Spirit in a journey of faith towards a destiny of service and fruitfulness. 287 EV. She is not only concerned about Jesus, but also about the “remnant of his children”; she wants to give birth to a new world, where we are all brothers and sisters, where there is room for all those whom our societies reject, where justice and peace shine forth. 278 Fratelli Tutti

Gentleness transforms relationships because it opens the way to understanding and mercy. A gentle soul reflects the presence of Christ. By practicing gentleness, we become instruments of peace in a wounded and turbulent world. It is one of the most discreet, but also the most powerful, virtues of the Christian life. In a world often marked by anger, harshness and impatience, gentleness reveals the heart of God. It is neither weakness nor passivity; rather, it is a force guided by love and self-control. This is what Mary, our mother, chose to live and she invites us to be gentle in our relationships with one another. Norberto Eyule ·18 May 2026 30 Virtue of Gentleness Days With Mary

Canticle of Mary

With Mary, let us move forward in gentleness and humility; may our words and actions reveal the goodness of God’s heart.

Intercessory Prayer

1. Most holy Father, teach us, following the example of Mary, to welcome frustrations and conflicts with gentleness, patience and serenity. May our words and actions become paths of peace.

2. Father of mercy, give us an attentive and gentle heart, so that we may know how to listen before we speak. May our exchanges be filled with respect, understanding and love.

3. Father full of tenderness, support those who are going through trial, grief or worry. Like Mary at the foot of the Cross, give us the strength to remain faithful and to be a presence of comfort for those who suffer.

Our Father…

Prayer

God of love, we thank you for the gift of Mary, whose welcoming heart and peaceful strength reveal your perfect love. Teach us, following her example, to bring Christ to the world with a gentle, humble and charitable heart. May our words, our actions and our whole lives become a reflection of your grace, your peace and your tenderness. Amen.

Following the example of Mary presented in the Temple, let us cultivate self-control in order to become available to God and free to love

St. Francis de Sales teaches that holiness is built with the mastery of one’s passions and with gentleness towards oneself and others. For him, true freedom consists in letting God govern our hearts. He writes: ” The measure of God’s love is to love Him without measure.” ” Nothing by force, all by love.”

Office of the day

Word of God: Galatians 5:22-23 or Romans 12:1

Reflection

As we celebrate the feast of the Presentation of Mary in the Temple, we contemplate a young girl who has let God shape her heart to be fully available to His will. This attitude of trust and fidelity is the fruit of an interior life deeply rooted in God. In his letter to the Galatians, Saint Paul reminds us that self-control is part of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Following Mary’s example, let us ask for the grace to cultivate this virtue in order to become free from our disordered passions, available to God and capable of loving our brothers and sisters more fully.

Mary is the perfect model of availability to God. Her whole life is an offering, a free response to divine grace. Her spirituality shows how, with Mary, the Christian learns to give himself/herself totally to Christ. Saint Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort

Saint Marie Rivier contemplated Mary’s presentation in the Temple as the model of a heart entirely given to God. For her, this offering is lived every day in prayer, fidelity and service. In turn, let us ask for the grace to cultivate self-control so that our life becomes an offering of love.

Questions:

How can the ordinary choices of my life become a pleasing offering to God?

What fruits of the Holy Spirit (love, peace, patience, self-control…) am I called to develop further today?

Canticle of Mary

Our Father…

Prayer

God our Father, following the example of Mary being presented in the Temple, teach us to offer ourselves to you every day with trust and generosity. May our whole life become a living, holy and pleasing offering to you. We ask you through Christ our Lord. Amen!