Posted by Sr. Marjorie Hebert, MSC | May 2017 |
Dear Friends of Catholic Charities,
Every year during the month of May we celebrate Mother’s Day and the love and faith of Mary, the mother of Jesus and the Church. Catholic Charities traces its roots of providing for vulnerable populations in Louisiana back to the arrival of French explorers and the Ursuline nuns in 1727. For nearly 300 years, Catholic institutions of education, health care, and social services have provided for the poor, the orphaned, the sick, the hungry and any and all in need throughout Louisiana. While the needs of the community have changed, the need still exists and most likely always will.
As employees and supporters of the good work of Catholic Charities, it is important that we remember why it is that we continue this work. Celebrating Mother’s Day reminds us of the hope and faith that Mary held in her heart even during her darkest hours following the death of her son. The faith that she held until the resurrection of her son renewed all life in this world. We must continue to hope and strive for a better future for all our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Mother’s Day and the approaching Pentecost also remind us of the miracle of each and every life. We here at Catholic Charities celebrate life and respect the dignity and potential of each human person. Each and every person on this Earth is a unique individual formed in the likeness of God. We must remember this as we give people the tools to make a better life for themselves and their families. Each life bettered by the work of Catholic Charities is worth the time and effort spent. As Pope Francis said, “The law of love is written once and for all in the heart of man, written with the fire of the Holy Spirit.”
Let us continue to love unconditionally, like a mother’s love for her child. And as we transition to the summer season, let us continue to petition our mother, Our Lady of Prompt Succor, just as the Ursuline nuns did, to be with us and strengthen us through the hurricane season.
“Our Father in haven, through the powerful intercession of Our Lady of Prompt Succor, spare us from all harm during this hurricane season and protect us and our homes from all disasters of nature.”
God bless you,
Sr. Marjorie Hebert, MSC
President/CEO
The statue of Our Lady under the title of Our Lady of Prompt Succor (pictured above) came to New Orleans in 1810. Over the following two centuries, the Ursuline Sisters have shared this devotion to our Lady of “Quick Help” with many who pray to the Mother of God in moments of pain or need, joy or thanksgiving, or simply out of desire to live their lives with deepening fidelity and love.