My dear brothers and sisters in Christ – September 2024
Lee este artículo en español (Spanish language version)
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
This month, we celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows. The mother of our Lord faced many sorrows in her time on earth, the greatest of which was the suffering and death of her son. The loss of a loved one is a very familiar and very human feeling. It connects us not only to Mary, but to each other. It is through sorrow that our eyes are opened to the suffering of others, feeling empathy for their pain. Just as Mary is called Our Lady of Sorrows, she is also called Our Lady of Compassion.
Lee este artículo en español (Spanish language version)
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
This month, we celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows. The mother of our Lord faced many sorrows in her time on earth, the greatest of which was the suffering and death of her son. The loss of a loved one is a very familiar and very human feeling. It connects us not only to Mary, but to each other. It is through sorrow that our eyes are opened to the suffering of others, feeling empathy for their pain. Just as Mary is called Our Lady of Sorrows, she is also called Our Lady of Compassion.
Helping others can be difficult, especially when we’re dealing with difficulties and hardship in our lives. However, Christ Jesus can use this suffering for good when we unite it to his on the cross. And remember, “It is better to suffer for doing good, if that be the will of God, than for doing evil” (1 Pt 3:17). The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that charity is the greatest of social commandments. In this month of sorrows, it is through charity that we can exercise compassion within our parishes and communities.
Organizations such as Catholic Charities of South Carolina and the St. Vincent de Paul Society and so many social ministries in our parishes are present all throughout our diocese. As the days begin to grow shorter this time of year, I encourage everyone to find a place in their hearts and lives for charity. As St. Teresa of Kolkata said, not all of us can do great things — but we can do small things with great love.
Let us pray for the intercession of Our Lady of Sorrows, for the strength and compassion to go into the world bearing the light of Christ. Together, as members of his body, we can offer our struggles to God and be guided by the goodness of his Word.
In Christ’s love,
Most Rev. Jacques Fabre-Jeune, CS
Bishop of Charleston
