Our Lady, Queen of the Seraphic Order – Dec 15 – Homily – Fr Joseph Michael

 

Fr Joseph Michael gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Dec 15, 2025, celebrating the Franciscan feast of Our Lady, Queen of the Seraphic Order, highlighting St. Francis's seraphic devotion and Mary's protective role over the order.

In his homily, Father explains the Franciscan Order's title as the Seraphic Order, rooted in the highest angels who praise God endlessly. He describes St. Francis as the Seraphic Saint for his life of glorifying God, especially through the vision when he received the stigmata. Father notes how St. Francis founded his order at the Portiuncula church, dedicated to Mary, and entrusted the friars, Poor Clares, and tertiaries to her care. He encourages all to imitate Francis's love for Mary, letting her reign in their hearts and guide their paths to heaven, where they will join the seraphim in eternal praise.

Isaiah 6:3 - Seraphim's holy praise exclamation - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/isaiah/6
St. Francis of Assisi - His life and Seraphic stigmata vision - https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-francis-of-assisi/
CCC 967 - Mary as Mother of the Church - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/967.htm
CCC 971 - Veneration of Mary the Mother - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/971.htm
Our Lady of the Angels - Portiuncula indulgence history - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portiuncula
Choirs of angels - https://www.catholic.com/encyclopedia/cherubim

Ave Maria!

Mass: Queen of the Seraphic Order - Feast
Readings:  - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/121525.cfm
1st: sir 24:7-8, 10-14
Resp: psa 45:10, 13-18
Gsp: luk 1:26-33

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1358

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