Celebrating the Nativity of Mary

Catholics throughout the world have a deep love for Mary, the mother of our Lord. Often this relationship is confused with worship. We do not worship Mary as some mistakenly believe. We honor her, and her relationship with Jesus, her Son.

While there is but one God in three persons, God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit, there is only one mediator with the Father and that is through the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity, Jesus Christ. Make no mistake about that. Catholics do not see Mary as yet another mediator. No, she carries our prayers to her Son. Even scripture tells us of the influence Mary has with Jesus. John tells us that at a wedding in Cana, the bride’s family runs out of wine. This would have been humiliating. When Mary learns of what has happened, she goes to her Son and asks Him to perform a miracle. She did not know how He could solve the problem, but she had faith that He would. At first Jesus is reluctant – pointing out to her that His time had not yet come. No matter, she still held to her faith in Him, instructing the servants to do whatever He instructed them to do. Should we think Mary would not carry our concerns to her Son in the same way?

The birth of Mary is important. Without her, there would be no salvation. Just as God is Three Persons, salvation came in the form of three persons. The first was Mary, the mother of God, the second was John, the forerunner who baptized with water, and the third was Jesus Christ, Lord and Savior.

Catholics have honored and celebrated the birth of Mary as a part of the Church since the sixth century. While today the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is not celebrated with the same solemnity as the Immaculate Conception (nine months earlier), it remains an important feast. The birth of Mary prepares the way for the birth of Christ, and the redemption of all mankind.

Most Holy Mary, daughter of Israel,
the Redeemer of the world loves you
with the singular love of a Child for His mother.
Pray for me today that the feast of your birth
may give great joy to my soul that I may obtain
a deeper love and devotion to Your Son, Christ our Lord

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Today’s feast happens to fall on a Friday this year. As a Modern-Traditionalist (English Mass while observing Traditional Customs), this is the perfect reason to celebrate with an amazing Shrimp dish. This is so delicious, you will wish every day were Friday!

Chipotle Cream Shrimp
1 lb large Shrimp (13-15 count)
4 Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce
1/2 tablespoon Jalapeno Olive Oil
Salt to taste
White Pepper to taste
6 tablespoons Butter, divided
4 tablespoons Tequila
1 cup Heavy Cream
1/3 cup Mexican Cheese Blend
1/2 cup Chicken Stock or as needed
4 drops Scorpion Pepper Sauce or to taste
4 Flour Tortillas, warmed

Peel and devein shrimp. Shrimp can be served with our without tails as desired. Pat dry, set aside. Finely dice chipotle peppers, set aside.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper; sauté in the skillet for about 2 minutes per side, until nicely pink. Transfer to a bowl; set aside.

Melt 3 tablespoons butter into the now empty skillet. Add the tequila, allow to reduce to about half while scraping any bits of brown off the bottom of the pan; about 2 minutes or so.

Reduce heat to medium-low; add the cream, chipotle peppers and Mexican cheese blend, bring to a gentle simmer. Season with a little salt and pepper to taste.

Add remaining butter, one tablespoon at a time. The sauce may appear thick and stringy. Thin slightly with Chicken Stock to create a thick yet silky smooth sauce. Taste, elevate heat as desired with Scorpion Pepper Sauce.

Once the sauce is ready, return shrimp back to the skillet. Stir to coat in the sauce, let simmer until warm and shrimp is fully cooked. Taste the sauce, adjust seasonings as needed. Warm the tortillas for serving. Transfer Chipotle Cream Shrimp to a serving dish, serve with tortillas and enjoy.

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With delight I rejoice in the Lord.