Brothers and Sisters,

Our Lady of Perpetual Help, pray for us!

Mary truly merits this beloved title. As the Memorare beautifully reminds us: “Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession, was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To you do I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy, hear and answer me. Amen.”

In the Gospel, we encounter the moment the angel Gabriel visits Mary. God’s will is accomplished with her “yes,” and the Word becomes flesh in the child Jesus. Yet, Mary does not simply marvel at this good news. She acts. She hastens to visit her cousin Elizabeth, who is part of God’s unfolding plan. Upon hearing Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit, and the child in her womb—John the Baptist—leaps for joy. Even during her pregnancy, Mary carries not just Jesus but also the grace of God’s compassion into every encounter. She is truly the Mother of the Incarnate Word.

Mary draws us into an encounter with her Son, Jesus. She delights in every heart that welcomes Him because she knows He is the source of life, nourishes our souls, and answers our deepest longings. In these final days of Advent, I invite you to pray with this intention:
“Mary, draw all our parishioners, our family members, friends, and neighbors into a deeper encounter with your Son, Jesus.”

Whatever challenges you may be facing, wherever you are on life’s journey, know that Jesus abides with you. He walks with you personally and never abandons you, even if you feel distant from Him. Trust in His presence and His unfailing commitment to you.

As Christmas approaches, do not be discouraged if you feel unprepared. None of us is ever perfectly ready to fully appreciate such a profound mystery of our faith—that our Father in heaven would save the world through a baby born to a virgin. (Or, on a more human note, fulfill all that we hoped we could accomplish this season by way of shopping, baking, and visiting with our loved ones.) The most important preparation is offering ourselves to God—a work we cannot complete on our own. Our hope lies in the promise that God Himself will fulfill our journey, just as He has kept every promise He has ever made.

On a more practical note, I ask for your patience and understanding, particularly regarding our parking lot, which may be completed before any of us finish our spiritual preparations! Your generous support and the many ministries vital to our parish life make such improvements possible. Thank you for your continued offerings, whether regular contributions or special Christmas gifts. For information on how to give, including secure online options, please visit olphparish.org/giving. May your gifts, both material and spiritual, be received as a pleasing offering to the Lord.