In this Lenten time, I was fortunate to spend a
qualitative time in the Holy House of Nazareth, in which Mother Mary had been
born and brought up, received the Annunciation, and
had lived during the Childhood
of Christ, in the Basilica of the Holy House at Loreto. As per the tradition, due to the Crusades, in
1291 angels miraculously carried the Holy House from its original location to
Tersatto, Croatia.
Then on 10th December 1294, the Holy House was again moved by
angels due to the Muslim invasion to Recanti, Italy. But shortly the Holy House is moved for a third
time to present location in Loreto.
Today the Holy House of Loreto is one of the most revered Marian shrines
in the world. Over the centuries, many
Pontiffs have testified to the authenticity of the Holy House and the miracles
that have attributed to it.
Meditation at the Holy House, in the presence of Mother
Mary helps us to live the Lenten time with more enthusiasm. The presence of Mother Mary challenges us to
give more concentration into five areas of our life
1. Like Mother Mary, we are called to bring Jesus to the
world through our acts and words (Mt. 1: 18)
2. Like Mother Mary, we have to integrate the life of
Jesus into our life (Lk. 2: 34-35)
3. Like Mother Mary, we have to prepare others to do “Do
whatever He tells you” (Jn. 2: 5)
4. Like Mother Mary, we have to accompany Jesus in every
situation of life; joyful and sorrowful (Jn. 19: 25)
5. Like Mother Mary, we have to support others to live in
the ever living presence of Jesus (Acts. 1:14)
So during this lent time, the life of Mother Mary is an
invitation to us, are we ready to walk to with Mother Mary to Jesus?