Reflection for the 23 Sunday of Ordinary time, week beginning 5 September 2021.
As we now enter the new academic year, we should surely wish to place it under the patronage of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
It was she who was Jesus’ tutor in the Hebrew Scriptures during His childhood and adolescence.
At the same time, his foster-father Joseph trained him in carpentry (and possibly in working with stone too).
Accordingly, parents would be strongly encouraged to view Mary as patroness of their children’s academic subjects in the curriculum, with Joseph assuming the role of patron of the more practical subjects.
This coming Wednesday, 8th September, is the day the Church formally celebrates the birthday of Mary – this is because it is exactly 9 months after 8th December, the great feast of her Immaculate Conception.
(September 8th, over the years, has been a very special day for ordinations to the priesthood or diaconate, and for the taking of vows in the Religious Life).
As a parent, why not make a special prayer commitment to Our Blessed Lady on this Wednesday, thereby commending your son’s and/or your daughter’s academic year 2021-22 to her powerful intercession!
Good Shepherd Catholic Church 