Holy Mary, Mother

When you consider the life span of the Church, under the direction of the First Pope, Peter, appointed by Christ, we’ve been here a very long time. From that perspective, a Devotional Feast Day proclaiming Mary, Mother of the Church is very new indeed, having been established in 2018.

I draw so much from Mary – my faith, my courage, my strength and willingness to say yes to God. Non-Catholics often confuse our devotion to Mary as some sort of form of worship. We don’t pray to Mary in the same way we pray to God the Father or God the Son. Prayers to Mary are more akin to petitions – causes that we seek her support in. We look to her as an advocate to our request. Can we go directly to Jesus? Of course. But His mother is still a good person to have on our side. Time and time again I go back to the wedding at Cana. He was not ready to perform a public miracle. While the miracle of water into wine was only witnessed by a handful of servants, it was still a miracle. Jesus did as His mother requested. As a woman, I feel far more comfortable having intimate emotional conversations with Mary. Just as Christ entrusted His mother with certain duties during His ministry, He trusts her with particular roles within the Church – His Church. The devotion to Mary, Mother of the Church is a moveable feast in that it follows Pentecost Sunday. It’s entire purpose is to acknowledge the connection of Mary to her Son and to His Church.

Mary’s active participation in our prayerful life is another example of fundamental beliefs that separate Catholics from other denominations. There are times when I almost feel for those who are not enriched by that relationship. It does not take away from our relationship with Jesus. If anything, it strengthens it.

Holy Mary, Mother of God
Pray for us sinners now
And at the hour of our death

Carry our voices now, and when we meet him face to face to receive our final judgment. Plead our case as only a mother can. I don’t know about you, but I find comfort in knowing that Mary has my back.

---

Today also happens to be National Quiche Lorraine Day. The very first Quiche I ever made was taught to be by my sister, Ann. Since we just held a memorial for her recently, all things “Anne” related are foremost in my thoughts and in my heart. I know the day is coming soon when we will be reunited and I’ll not miss her anymore.

Anne’s Bacon-Spinach Quiche Pie
Single Refrigerated Pie Dough
10 oz package frozen Chopped Spinach
1 lb Bacon
1/2 cup Cheddar Cheese
1/2 cup Jack Cheese
1/2 cup sliced White Mushrooms
10 Eggs
1/2 cup Milk
Dash Nutmeg

Heat oven to 400-degrees.

While the oven comes to temperature, let pie dough come to room temperature on the counter before unrolling. Thaw spinach under running water. Spin or pat dry and set aside. Dice bacon, fry until golden. Remove from skillet, drain on paper towels. Set aside to cool. Shred the cheeses into a bowl, toss to combine. Clean, stem and slice the mushrooms, set aside.

Unroll pie dough, dust lightly with flour. Roll out on a flat work surface to fit into a 9-inch deep dish pie pan. Fold dough over the rolling pin, place in pie pan. Flute or crimp edges as desired, set aside.

Cover the bottom of the pie pan to a depth of about one-third of the way up with a layer of the cheese mixture. Next layer spinach, mushrooms and bacon over the cheese layer.

In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk and nutmeg together. Pour egg mixture over the Quiche. Place in the heated oven to bake for 10 minutes.

Reduce heat to 325-degrees; continue to bake for about 45-minute to an hour or until firm and cooked through. Let quiche cool on a rack before slicing. Can be served warm or at room temperature.

---

Alleluia, alleluia.
O happy Virgin, you gave birth to the Lord;
O blessed mother of the Church,
you warm our hearts with the Spirit of your Son Jesus Christ.
Alleluia, alleluia.