March 25:                                Feast of the Annunciation

                                A Prayer to Mary       


Mary, woman of listening, open our ears; grant us to know how to listen to the word of your Son Jesus among the thousands of words of this world; grant that we may listen to the reality in which we live, to every person we encounter, especially those who are poor, in need, in hardship. Mary, woman of decision, illuminate our mind and our heart so that we may obey, unhesitating, the word of your Son Jesus; give us the courage to decide, not to let ourselves be dragged along, letting others direct our life. Mary, woman of action, [may] our hands and feet move "with haste" toward others, to bring them the charity and love of your Son Jesus, to bring the light of the gospel to the world, as you did. Amen.

                                           (Pope Francis)