FS #50: Mary’s Role, Part 4 – Oct 24 – Homily – Fr Terrance

 

Fr Terrance gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Oct 24, 2023, on how Franciscan Spirituality emphasizes Our Lady's role in God's plan, today focusing on her role as Queen or the Universe.

Mary holds an esteemed position in Franciscan spirituality, particularly as the Queen of the Universe. Esteemed saints like Saint Bonaventure and Saint Bernadine of Siena recognized her as such. Saint Francis venerated her as the Queen of the Angels at the Portiuncula in Assisi.

Mary's queenship is intrinsically tied to Jesus' divine regality. The liturgy associates Mary with the passage from Proverbs 8:22 - The Lord begot me, the firstborn of his ways - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/proverbs/8?22], emphasizing her significance in God's works. Franciscan theology posits Mary alongside the Word Incarnate as pivotal in God's grand design.

Franciscan Carlo de Moral highlights Mary's unparalleled status, even above angels, due to her grace, merit, and glory. Saint Bernardine of Siena marvels at the incomprehensible graces Mary received, asserting that only God can truly fathom her. He further elaborates on her vast dominion, spanning from the ocean of grace on earth to the ocean of glory in heaven.

The Franciscan theologian William of Ware, echoing the sentiments of Blessed John Duns Scotus, encourages us to lavish praises on Mary, mirroring the adoration God bestows upon her. Mary's magnificence ensures that she holds each of us close to her heart, making her more accessible rather than distant.

00:00 - Introduction
00:13 - Mary's role in Franciscan spirituality
01:15 - Mary's primacy and gifts
02:00 - Mary's sovereignty and dominion
03:35 - Praising Mary's greatness

Ave Maria!

This is a continuation of his series of homilies on Franciscan Spirituality - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNN151zTIO4&list=PLejh_e0-LN4xgMllKrzSasL2Hljd5BHom
and the subsection "Mary's Role"

The material for this series comes primarily from Ciccarelli, Marciano M., "I capisaldi della spiritualità francescana" in Italian, which translates as "The Cornerstones of Franciscan Spirituality." No English translations of this book exist at the time of this recording.

Mass: St. Anthony Mary Claret - Opt Mem - http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=1452
Readings: Tuesday 29th Week of Ordinary Time - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/102423.cfm
1st: rom 5:12, 15, 17-19, 20-21
Resp: psa 40:7-10, 17
Gsp: luk 12:35-38

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1184&r=1530

Also on Facebook: https://fb.watch/nTubZ1DXSd/
and YouTube: https://youtu.be/OVmakCp2_cQ