* February 1st – Our Lady of Copacabana (Bolivia) * “Have no fear, I am here. Take up your weapon and use it!” --- An initiative of the Mary of Nazareth Association February 1st – Our Lady of Copacabana (Bolivia) “Have no fear, I am here. Take up your weapon and use it!” The terrorist threat is great, but we also see that violence of all kinds occurs on a daily basis in today's society—pornography and all sorts of horrific images are easily accessible on the Internet. Our intent is not to demonize the media but to remain free and faithful while facing what Saint John Paul II called a "culture of death"... Given all this, it is more than urgent to remember some of Jesus’ last words to Saint John: "Behold your Mother" (Jn 19:27). These words invite us to nestle up close to the heart of our Mother. We can do this by continually praying the Rosary—in the street, in the bus, in the subway or in public places. In doing so, we are holding tightly onto Mary’s hand and building—inside and around us—a spiritual space of safety and peace for all. This is the hidden yet very real power of personal and community Marian prayer that repels evil in all its forms! In a dream where he was in danger of death, Saint Padre Pio reported a word he heard from the Virgin Mary that left a deep impression on him: Have no fear, I am here. Take up your weapon and use it! By this of course she did not meant a handgun but the humble Rosary. It is truly "the weapon of the meek" and invites us into spiritual battle which, according to Saint Paul, makes us "strong in the Lord ... against the powers of darkness." Father Marie Michel France Catholique magazine, issue #3468, November 20, 2015 www.mariedenazareth.com Let’s pray together  Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of death. Amen.