Episode 2400: In the Silence, Call Upon Mary - Nightly Episode

“O my God, at the end of this day I thank You most heartily for all the graces I have received from You. I am sorry that I have not made better use of them. I am sorry for all the sins I have committed against You. Forgive me, O my God, and graciously protect me this night. Blessed Virgin Mary, my dear heavenly mother, take me under your protection. St. Joseph, my dear Guardian Angel, and all you saints in heaven, pray for me. Sweet Jesus, have pity on all poor sinners, and save them from hell. Have mercy on the suffering souls in purgatory. Amen”
In the Silence, Call Upon Mary
Welcome to tonight's episode, where we will explore the profound wisdom found in the words of St. Bernard and Donald H. Calloway, MIC. We will reflect on the importance of invoking Mary in times of need and the value of silence in our spiritual lives. Join us as we delve into these teachings from a traditional Catholic perspective, uncovering their significance for our journey of faith.

Invoking Mary in Times of Need
St. Bernard of Clairvaux offers us timeless advice: In danger, in difficulty or in doubt, think of Mary, call upon Mary. Keep her name on your lips, never let it pass out of your heart. — St. Bernard
This profound counsel emphasizes the importance of turning to the Blessed Virgin Mary in all circumstances of our lives.
From a traditional Catholic viewpoint, Mary holds a unique and exalted place as the Mother of God and our spiritual mother. Her intercession is powerful, and her maternal care is ever-present. When we call upon Mary, we are not only seeking her help but also deepening our relationship with her, allowing her to guide us closer to her Son, Jesus Christ.
In moments of danger, difficulty, or doubt, invoking Mary's name brings us comfort and strength. Her life was filled with challenges, yet she remained steadfast in faith and trust in God. By following her example and seeking her intercession, we can find the courage and grace to face our own trials.

The Value of Silence
Donald H. Calloway, MIC, highlights a modern issue in many parishes: the discomfort with silence. He observes, "One of the problems today in many parishes is that people are uncomfortable with silence and think they have to be constantly listening to something or someone. Many parishes and shrines these days even have nonstop music playing from speakers during the week when people just want to step inside, away from the noise, and say some prayers. Are we that uncomfortable with silence that we have to turn our churches into music studios? It's not that the relaxing music or chant playing in the background is bad or evil. But silence is a good thing, and we should have more of it in our churches." —Donald H. Calloway, MIC Silence is a powerful and necessary element in our spiritual lives. It allows us to hear the gentle whispers of the Holy Spirit, to reflect on God’s word, and to encounter the divine presence in a profound way. The traditional Catholic perspective cherishes silence as a space for prayer, contemplation, and inner transformation.
In a world filled with constant noise and distractions, silence offers a sanctuary for our souls. Our churches should be places where we can escape the chaos of daily life and find peace in the presence of God. Embracing silence helps us to cultivate a deeper relationship with God and to develop a habit of interior prayer.
Integrating Mary and Silence in Our Lives
Combining the wisdom of St. Bernard and Donald H. Calloway, we find a harmonious path for our spiritual journey. By invoking Mary in times of need, we draw on her strength and intercession, while embracing silence allows us to listen more attentively to God’s voice.
When we enter a church, let us seek the quiet moments where we can reflect, pray, and be in communion with God. Let us also keep Mary’s name on our lips and in our hearts, trusting in her maternal care and guidance.
Incorporating these practices into our daily lives can transform our spiritual experience. We become more attuned to God’s will, more open to His grace, and more resilient in the face of life’s challenges.

Conclusion
As we conclude today’s episode, let us remember the profound advice of St. Bernard: "In danger, in difficulty or in doubt, think of Mary, call upon Mary." Let us also embrace the silence in our churches and in our hearts, allowing it to be a space where we encounter God’s love and grace.
Thank you for joining us today. May we always find comfort and strength in Mary’s intercession and the peace that comes from silence. Until next time, may God bless you and guide you on your spiritual journey.