Thank you for hosting Mary, Star of Evangelization. The icon was commissioned to celebrate the Archdiocesan evangelization experience, Disciples in Mission. More important, it was written to draw our communities of faith into prayer. As we call on Mary, we ask her to intercede for our parishes and Archdiocese in carrying out the evangelizing mission of Jesus to “go and make disciples of all people.”

The Archdiocesan planning committee encourages each local parish to create a time and place of prayer that will be most effective in their community. The following Reflections are offered as an option that can be fitted to the local parish. The Reflections are adapted from The Collections of Masses of the Blessed Virgin Mary. These masses have been used for the past decade to recall the many ways Mary has participated in the mission of Jesus. The format will appeal to those who look to understand the role of Mary in the mission of the Church. The Reflections use scripture readings and other Church documents.

Format

The Reflections can be used in a variety of ways. The following suggestions may help your planning:
 

• Over 2, 3 or 4 evenings (Approximately 60, 45 or 30 minutes respectively).

• One evening (Approximately 2 hours).

• Create your own (Time will vary).

Set Up

The icon should be displayed in a space and place appropriate for the community to pray and the placement of a sacred and blessed image. The stand and location should allow all present to see the image clearly. The stand or display should of course be sturdy to protect the icon from any accidental damage. During times of prayer it is appropriate to have a candle(s), flowers and other decorations to accompany the image.

The icon can be placed in the parish church, but should never interfere or take away from the Eucharist when it is celebrated. The icon should never be placed in the perpetual adoration chapel, that space is reserved only for the Blessed Sacrament.
 

Leadership

The Reflections do not require a priest or deacon to lead. The team that organizes the prayer should try to include as many as possible- leader, readers and musicians. Doing multiple readings allows the community to offer more individuals ways to participate. We strongly encourage the Reflections be accompanied by music. The familiar Marian hymns can be used.
 

Music

Hymnody to/about Mary is particularly varied and rich.  It also varies widely with the tradition of each community.  The songs listed here are merely suggestions, but the planners of the services, will need to take into account the repertoire and devotional tradition of their particular parish.

Songs that are accessible and particularly apt to this celebration include:
O Holy Mary (Breaking Bread and Music issue #694, Journeysongs #499)
Immaculate Mary (BB #208, JS #493)
Sing of Mary (BB and MI #693, JS #503)
Hail Holy Queen (BB #209, JS 494)
Hail Mary Gentle Woman (BB and MI #692, JS #739)

Any setting of the Magnificat is also particularly appropriate.  There are several fine pieces to choose from:
Holy Is His Name (BB and MI #689,)
Magnificat (Farrell) (BB and MI #854)
Mary’s Song (Reith) (BB and MI #695, JS 600)
Mary’s Song to the tune of “Amazing Grace” (BB and MI #698)
My Soul Rejoices  (BB and MI #688, JS #502)
 

For the section celebrating Mary as patroness of the Americas under the title of Our Lady of Guadalupe, you might want to try some hymns in Spanish.  Two which fit nicely with the reflections are Santa María del Camino (Flor y Canto I #236,  Flor y Canto II #447) and Como Estrella en Claro Cielo (Flor y Canto I #203, Flor y Canto II #450)
 

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