Our Advent Pilgrimage with Mary

By Terry Polakovic (click her to read more by Terry)

Once again, the season of Advent is upon us, and for this reason, we turn our gaze to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The greatest mystery of Christianity entered the world by way of a woman ~ this woman. For Catholic women like ourselves, Mary is the model of how we should live out our Advent. She teaches us anew how to trust, to love, and to wait in silent anticipation for the coming of Christ. Our late Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, had a great devotion to Our Lady which he shared in his 1987 encyclical, Redemptoris Mater (Mother of the Redeemer). He who has been called the most “Marian” pope in history entrusted both his pontificate and his entire life to her.

As we begin our 2009 Advent pilgrimage with Mary, let us remember that the greatest gift ever offered to the world is Jesus Christ. If we want to bring joy to others this Christmas, we have to bring them Christ. Certainly, we can buy them toys, clothes and gadgets, but if we aren’t giving them Christ, they are receiving nothing of lasting value.

As we bring this year to a close, I want to thank each and every one of you who have supported the efforts of ENDOW over this past year. You have made this program of study possible. As you know, our efforts are aimed at helping women know God better so they may love Him more. Our belief is that such love will express itself in service and will result in happier, more harmonious relationships with spouses, families, professional colleagues, and in parish life. We believe that changing the culture starts with one woman at a time.

Visit www.endowonline.com to get involved this Christmas Season with ENDOW!