Connecting with your Mother

For centuries the month of May has been popularly designated by the Church as a time dedicated to Our Blessed Mother. It is a perfect time to connect with the Mother of God, to renew our relationship with the woman who was chosen to bring Jesus to us and to bring us to Jesus. Through her we are connected to Jesus, really and truly because He became man in her virginal womb. Then, because of His entrustment of us to her as He hung upon the Cross, she becomes our Mother and the one who leads us to her Son.

Many saints in the Church have lived in this blessed relationship with Our Lady and found it to be a tremendous means of sanctification by uniting them more and more with Jesus through Mary.

The month of May is a time of rebirth. Spiritual rebirth happens within the Body of Christ, the Church, as many new members come by baptism to be united with Christ the Head. As spring drives away the cold of winter, May becomes a time of buds, green branches and flowers. Rebirth gives us hope also. In some places, like Ukraine, rebirth may seem to be very difficult.

Bishop Jan Sobillo is an auxiliary bishop in the Diocese of Zaporozhye in southeastern Ukraine. The city of Zaporozhye is preparing for a frontal attack by the Russian army. Bishop Sobillo noted, “The residents, who until now in Zaporozhye were focused on helping the refugees who managed to get out of Mariupol, Berdyansk and Metropol, realized this morning that they are under the same threat here. Thousands of Russian soldiers, over a thousand tanks, cannons and armored vehicles are positioned outside the city.”

We might think that the month of May in Ukraine is devoid of flowers or plans to reconnect with the Blessed Mother. But Bishop Sobillo emphatically tells us otherwise. “After today’s shelling many people came to our church; we know that our hope is in God. We thank the Holy Father for his concern and blessing. Every time danger is imminent we remember the consecration of Ukraine, Russia and the whole world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. We are aware that what we are experiencing is part of the great cause of liberating Europe and the world from all evil.”

Concerning his ministry as a priest and bishop, he shares, “I plan to stay in Zaporozhye until the very end, as long as there are people around. I am not just talking about the Catholics here, because new people keep coming. They say that this war has made them think about the meaning of life and they decide to go to confession and to baptize their children. Many people have discovered the presence of God in this difficult situation, so I know that I am needed here. I must be present for them. Hence, my decision to remain in Zaporozhye until the very end, no matter what…. I believe that any priest who would be witnessing what people are going through here would stay with them. That is what the priesthood is all about—to remain where we are needed.  I don’t consider myself a hero. I believe that any priest in my position would stay with the people to boy up their spirits.”

The month of May has arrived again. Perhaps spring and rebirth may not be central in our lives. It may be that the winter of fear, worry and confusion still weighs heavily upon us. I encourage each one of us to consider the words that Our Lady spoke to Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta at Fatima, “My Immaculate Heart will be a refuge for you and the way to God.” Wherever our Lady comes, it is springtime. From her Jesus blossoms forth with His love and mercy. Then think of Bishop Sobillo, who trusts in her Immaculate Heart and never gives up. Spring always comes.

Most Reverend William J. Waltersheid
Auxiliary Bishop of Pittsburgh