The Feast of Our Lady, Mother of Africa

Acts 1:12-14, Jn 2:1-11. On this day, we celebrate the feast of Mary, Mother of Africa. This celebration encourages us to turn to Mary in order to experience her maternal intercession and assistance for Africa and in our daily life. It is highly significant that our continent, Africa is dedicated to Mary. Africa which is rich in culture, human and natural resources is also marred by many problems. In today’s Gospel, Mary, Jesus and His disciples were invited to a wedding at Cana. When the couple ran out of wine, Mary said to Jesus, “They have no wine.”

Let us reflect on the fate of the couple if they had left Mary out. Since she was present, she noticed that they were in difficulty and asked her Son to assist them. The story reveals that Mary is a Mother who understands her children and their problems, brings them succour, comfort and leads them closer to her Son Jesus. Her protective and caring presence keeps Africa going and growing despite its manifold problems. Just as she told the stewards: “Do whatever he tells you,” she says the same to all citizens of Africa: to follow her Son, His teachings, ideals and His rule of life which is unconditional love and humble service. God has done and is still doing so much through Mary as we have seen in the origin of today’s feast and in the Gospel. If God is truly our Father, we ought to love Mary because she is our Mother.

May the Lord in His merciful love watch over us and through the intercession of Mary bring salvation to the meek and lowly! Amen!! Good morning and have a wonderful day!!!