November 21 commemorates the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin. Before Mary’s immaculate conception (without Original Sin), her parents received a heavenly message that they would be blessed with a child. Anne was beyond child-bearing years, so Mary was indeed a gift from God.
Catholics have a special relationship with Mary. Those not Catholic make the mistaken assumption that Mary is worshiped. She is not. However; she is held in the highest esteem. After all God created Mary for the sole purpose of reaching out to His children through her. She was created to be the Mother of God, and brought into existence Jesus Christ. While her parents did not know why they had been blessed with a child so late in their years, they realized this blessing came with a duty. Mary was handed over to the Temple at the age of three to be consecrated to the Lord. Imagine the huge sacrifice on the part of Saint Ann. She had longed for a child. Finally, a child was given to her. In return, she handed her only child over to the Lord.
The celebration of the Feast of the Presentation of Mary was first documented in the 11th century within the Byzantine Catholic Church. This celebration did not become a part of the Roman Catholic calendar until the 15th century when Pope Gregory XI approved its inclusion. Pope Pius V removed the celebration in the mid-16th century. Then in 1585 Pope Sixtus V reestablished the feast. It has been celebrated by the faithful every since, although the day is not a day of Holy Obligation.
When I hear people comment that religions stifle women or demote us to the role of second-class citizens of the world, it simply shows their ignorance. It was a woman who brought forth the birth of the Savior of the world. It was this same women who protected Him until His time came. Furthermore, she encouraged His first ever public miracle at the wedding in Cana. It was a woman at the well that Jesus revealed Himself to as the Messiah so that she could carry the Good News to the Samaritans. His death for the forgiveness of sin was witnessed by women. His male disciples and the Apostles had fled in fear for their own lives. Only John, a boy himself, remained with the women at the feet of the cross. His resurrection was revealed first to woman. Women are far from irrelevant in the eyes of the Lord. I for one am proud to be a woman of faith.
Slow-Cooker Beef Bolognese Linguine
Bolognese Sauce
1/2 Yellow Onion
3 Garlic Cloves
1/2 cup Baby Carrots
2 Celery Ribs
2 lbs lean Ground Beef
2 teaspoons Italian Spice Blend
1-1/2 teaspoons Salt
1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
2 (28 oz) cans Crushed Tomatoes with Basil
1 cup Heavy Cream
Spray the insert of a 5-quart slow cooker with cooking spray.
Cut onion in half fro root to tip. Reserve half for another purpose. Peel and dice remaining half. Peel and mince garlic. Mince carrots. Clean, trim and dice celery. Set vegetables aside.
In a 12-inch nonstick skillet, cook ground beef, onion, garlic, carrots, celery and Italian Seasoning over medium-high heat about 8 minutes. Stir frequently, breaking the beef into small pieces as it cook. Drain well, season with salt and pepper.
Spoon beef mixture into the slow cooker. Stir in tomatoes with their juices. Cover, cook on LOW for 4 hours or longer for flavors to fully blossom. Stir in heavy cream, cook 10 minutes longer or until heated through.
Linguine For Serving
12 oz Linguine
1/2 cup Basil
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese for garnish
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta al dente, about 12 minutes. Drain and keep warm until ready to serve.
Stack basil leaves, roll tightly. Chiffonade cut to shred.
Place pasta into a large serving bowl. Ladle with sauce, pass the basil ribbons and Parmesan tableside. Serve with a simple salad and enjoy.
The Lamb has made us a kingdom of priests to serve our God.
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