On the Feast of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary: The Celebration of the Birth of the Families of Mary Fraternity and the Opening of the Charity Exhibition at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit

On the Feast of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary: The Celebration of the Birth of the Families of Mary Fraternity and the Opening of the Charity Exhibition at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit

The Virgin Mary gathers her children around her Son, Jesus, at the table of the Word and the Eucharist. On the day of her nativity, she directs our gaze toward her Son, just as she once guided the families in Homs, leading them to delve deeper into the mystery of her Son, Jesus, and to reflect on the life of the one who gave us life. On the Feast of the Charter of the Families of Mary Fraternity, families participated in the Divine Liturgy, presided over by Bishop Mar Yulian Yaqub Murad, with the participation of Monsignor Michel Naaman, Father Iyad Ghanem, spiritual guide of the fraternities, along with priests, deacons of the diocese, and the faithful, at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit.

In his homily, Bishop Murad extended special greetings to the Families of Mary, who celebrate the birth of the fraternity on September 8, just as they do in many Catholic countries that host Families of Mary Fraternities. He said: “Before the mystery of Mary, the mind is left in awe, unsure of what to say or how to praise this mother, who is the source of all gifts and blessings. She is the mother chosen and selected by God to be the mother of His Son and our mother, restoring and granting humanity the dignity it deserves after we lost it by straying from what pleases God. We must remember that our dignity comes from God’s own dignity because we were created in His image and likeness.”

Bishop Murad offered prayers, asking for the Virgin Mary’s intercession for peace in our homeland, the region, and all countries torn apart by conflicts and wars. He asked God to restore human dignity, noting that each time a person is humiliated, we insult the image of God within that person.

After the final blessing, the bishop proceeded to open the charity exhibition, which will run for four days in the cathedral’s courtyard, accompanied by music played by the scouts. Bishop Murad expressed his hope that the new school year will be crowned with success for all students.

Mrs. Stella Kadr, head of the Marian Fraternity at the cathedral, explained that the exhibition aims to bring joy to the hearts of people yearning for happiness and peace, with its proceeds going to charitable efforts, including support for children, the poor, and various cathedral activities.