# Ascension of the Lord and devotion to the desolate Virgin Mary
*2017-05-28*

> Bill Young reflects on the Ascension of the Lord and leads a Holy Hour focused on consoling the Virgin Mary in her sorrows.

## Experiences with the Legion of Mary

In honor of the 100th anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima, I have been spending time with the Legion of Mary at St. David's in Florida. Recently, during a house blessing where the Legion brings a statue of Mary to a family's home for two weeks, some members noticed the statue seemed to smile at them. I believe these things happen when you consecrate yourself to Mary for Jesus. I've had similar experiences with an image of the Divine Mercy. When I spoke with Father Michael Gatley about this, he wasn't surprised at all.

I also recently learned about the Holy Spirit as the spiritual spouse of Mary, and how the Spirit flies to her wherever she is. This reminded me of a weekly meeting at St. David's. As I sat down, a sudden wind blew out the two candles lit before the statue of Mary. After learning more about the Holy Spirit's relationship with Mary, I now reason that this was a manifestation of that spiritual connection.

## The Ascension and the Abundance of Grace

As we celebrate the Ascension of the Lord, I am reminded of Acts 1:11, which asks, 'Men of Galilee, why are you standing and looking at the sky?' It assures us that Jesus, who was taken up into heaven, will return in the same way. While Jesus is in heaven at the right side of the Father, we also believe in His real presence in the Body and Blood of Christ here on earth.

St. John Paul II once noted that while there is much evil in the world, there are also many graces to contradict or override it. We must keep this abundance of grace in mind even in the face of darkness.

## Consoling the Desolate Virgin Mary

I want to invite you to a Holy Hour dedicated to consoling the Virgin Mary in her desolation, which she still suffers today because many of her children ignore her love. In this hour, we try to be close to Mary in her suffering, reading her heart and listening to her weeping. We consider seven specific sorrows: when she saw the tomb of Christ closed; when she was taken away from Him; when she passed the hill of Calvary where the cross still stood; when she was looked upon with contempt by those who condemned her Son; when she saw her empty house again; the long hours from Friday evening to Sunday; and the sorrow she continues to experience for those who do not believe in Christ.

To comfort her, we should say what our hearts inspire, reminding her of the coming resurrection, the glory of Jesus, and the thousands of souls saved through His blood.

## Prayer and the Glorious Mysteries

To prepare for this Holy Hour, we unite our souls to St. John and the holy women at the foot of the cross, offering our own tears of repentance to comfort Mary. We then pray the Hail Holy Queen and the Holy Rosary, specifically the Glorious Mysteries. 

Contemplating the face of Christ cannot stop at the image of the Crucified One; He is the Risen One. Through the mysteries of the Resurrection, the Ascension, the Descent of the Holy Spirit, the Assumption, and the Coronation, we move beyond the darkness of the Passion to gaze upon Christ's glory. In the Resurrection and Ascension, Mary herself was raised to that same glory in the Assumption.

## Prayers for Peace and Protection

As we conclude, let us remember to pray for our troops, our first responders, and those in government who keep us safe. We should also pray for our enemies. God tells us to love our enemies and turn the other cheek. We pray for those misguided individuals who believe God wants the death of innocent people, trusting that God loves us all and that Mary desires for everyone to come together in truth.

*By uniting our sorrows and repentance with the Virgin Mary, we find a path toward the glory of the Resurrection and the intercession of our Mother.*