# Our friends the saints: Ash Wednesday and the path to holiness
*2017-02-28*

> Bill Young reflects on the meaning of Ash Wednesday, the importance of God's plan for each individual, and the intercession of the saints.

## The Meaning of Ash Wednesday

Today is Ash Wednesday, a day where we are reminded that we are made of dust and to dust we shall return. It is a time to reflect on the shortness of life and ask ourselves what we are doing with the time we have. We are called to dedicate and concentrate ourselves to our Lord Jesus and His plan, because He has a plan for every one of us.

## Trusting in God's Plan

Looking back at my own life, I can see how God was working even when I didn't realize it. Years ago, when I first moved to Florida in 1980, I began serving as a commentator at St. Matthew's in Hallandale Beach. At the time, I was just a parishioner trying to pronounce the words correctly, and I often felt like I was at the bottom of the totem pole. In grammar school, I was always the last in line—whether it was by height, last name, or grades. I remember being disappointed to be last, but I didn't realize then that the last shall be first and the first shall be last. God had a plan for me nearly 40 years ago that led me to where I am today with this podcast and radio show.

## Consecration to the Holy Family

Since March is dedicated to St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus and spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we begin with a prayer of consecration to Our Lady and St. Joseph. We ask them to look after our children and families with the same care and tenderness they showed to Jesus, and to help us remain faithful to our vocations and missions within the Church.

## The Glorious Mysteries and the Rosary

We continue our daily devotion with the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary, meditating on the Resurrection, the Ascension, the Descent of the Holy Spirit, the Assumption, and the Coronation of Mary. These mysteries remind us that our faith does not stop at the image of the crucified Christ; He is the Risen One, and through Mary's intercession, we hope to share in that same glory.

## The Legacy of Frank Duff and Adele Quinn

I want to share the stories of two remarkable servants of God associated with the Legion of Mary. Frank Duff, the founder of the Legion, lived by the conviction that everyone, without exception, is called to be a saint. He was deeply influenced by St. Louis de Montfort's 'True Devotion to Mary' and spent his life helping others recognize Christ in the poor. 

Similarly, Venerable Adele Quinn showed unwavering faith while establishing the Legion of Mary in East and Central Africa. She faced enormous difficulties with a constant smile, always asking, 'Why can't we trust Our Lady?' Her life was centered on the Eucharist and a childlike generosity toward the will of God.

*Our lives are short, so we should strive to do the 'little things'—like praying the Rosary daily—and trust in the intercession of the saints to lead us to heaven.*