Book of Ezekiel 34,11-16.23-25a

For thus says the Lord GOD: I myself will search for my sheep, and will seek them out.
As shepherds seek out their flocks when they are among their scattered sheep, so I will seek out my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places to which they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness. …..

May Is the Month of Mary: A Time to Draw Closer to Our Blessed Mother

By Abigail James May 1, 2026

As spring unfolds in beauty and renewal, the Church invites the faithful into a deeply personal and spiritual tradition: honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary throughout the month of May. For centuries, Catholics around the world have set aside these days to deepen their love for the Mother of God, seeking her intercession and reflecting on her unique role in salvation history.

The roots of this devotion stretch back to the early Church, but it flourished most prominently in medieval Europe, where May—rich with blooming flowers and new life—became a natural symbol of Mary’s purity, grace, and spiritual motherhood. Just as the earth comes alive in spring, so too are the faithful called to renew their devotion and imitate Mary’s “yes” to God.

Mary’s significance in the life of the Church cannot be overstated. As the Mother of Jesus Christ, she is the one who bore the Savior into the world. Yet her role extends far beyond that moment in Bethlehem. At the foot of the Cross, Christ entrusted her to the beloved disciple—and, through him, to all of us. In this way, Mary becomes our spiritual mother, guiding us closer to her Son.

Throughout May, many Catholic families and parishes participate in cherished traditions. Altars dedicated to Mary are adorned with fresh flowers, symbolizing her beauty and virtue. Children often take part in May crownings, placing a wreath of blossoms upon a statue of the Virgin, a simple yet powerful act of love and honor. The daily praying of the Rosary also takes on renewed importance, as the faithful meditate on the life of Christ through Mary’s eyes.

These practices are not merely sentimental. They are invitations into a deeper relationship with God. Mary always leads us to Jesus. Her humility, obedience, and unwavering faith stand as a model for every Christian striving to follow the Lord more closely. In a world often marked by noise and distraction, Mary’s quiet trust in God offers a path of peace.

This month is also an opportunity to reflect on Mary’s relevance today. She is a mother who understands suffering, having witnessed her Son’s Passion. She is a woman of courage, who trusted God even when the path was unclear. And she is a powerful intercessor, who continues to bring our prayers before her Son.

In honoring Mary, we do not take anything away from Christ. Rather, we follow her example, allowing her to point us more fully toward Him. As countless saints have testified, a true devotion to Mary always leads to a deeper love for Jesus.

As May begins, the Church gently calls us to slow down, to pray, and to draw near to our Blessed Mother. Whether through a daily Rosary, a quiet moment before a Marian image, or a simple prayer whispered in faith, this month offers a chance to grow spiritually and to rediscover the beauty of a life entrusted to God.

In the words echoed through generations of the faithful: Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us.

Join us Friday, March 08, 2026 for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM

If you wish to sign up to be on the list of scheduled Eucharistic Adorers, please contact the coordinator,

Jihad Sleiman
sleimanjf@gmail.com
619.915.9249

"Could you not watch one hour with Me?"

Jesus waits for us in the Blessed Sacrament. He waits for our little Acts of faith, adoration, love, thanksgiving, repentance, reparation and charity that we can offer Him as we contemplate -- His Divine Majesty -- in the Blessed Sacrament.

St. Alphonsus Liguori wrote: “Of all devotions, that of adoring Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is the greatest after the Sacraments, the one dearest to God and the one most helpful to us”. The Eucharist is a priceless treasure: By not only celebrating the Eucharist, but also by praying before It outside of Mass, we are enabled to make contact with the very wellsprings of Grace ..."

Pope John Paul II in one of his homilies said, “It is pleasant to spend time with Him, to lie close to His breast like the Beloved Disciple (cf. Jn 13:25) and to feel the infinite love present in His heart ... If, in our time Christians must be distinguished by the “art of prayer”, how can we not feel a renewed need to spend time in spiritual conversation, in silent adoration, in heartfelt love before Christ present in the Most Holy Sacrament?”

"The Lord is faithful to all His promises and loving toward all He has made." (Ps 145:13)

From the Trust and Estate Planning Special Event,
And for those who could not attend the event held on February 10
below is a link to a video of the seminar.

Check it out to learn about what a trust can do for you and how you can plan for your care from attorneys Edward P. Schlesier and Lucy Jones with the law firm Blanchard, Krasner & French presented at St. Ephrem.

This was an amazing event with presenters who are experts on this topic.
Get your questions answered on how you can plan your estate and gain peace of mind!

Come be part of a group where you can grow in faith, build friendships, and have fun through activities, retreats, and service.

Ages 12 – 18   –  All are welcome!

“Let your light shine before others.” Said our Lord.

Tele Lumiere and Noursat, like many other institutions in Lebanon and the Middle East, is suffering tremendously and in danger of shutting down if it is not supported.

Very few parishes in the USA, of all Middle Eastern traditions, are supporting it. True there are millions living in poverty in the Middle East and we need to help them, but there are more millions living in darkness and need the message of hope and salvation. It is our responsibility to evangelize them.

We urge you in Christ’s name to help support Noursat. Here are few brotherly suggestions:

Talk about Noursat’s role of evangelization in the Middle East.
Announce this weekend the two-days Telethon. Share on your social media the attached video and flier about the Telethon.
Include in your weekly/monthly bulletin the attached flier about supporting Noursat.

God entrusted Noursat into our hands, let us unite our hands and hearts to keep it shinning.

With prayers and thanksgiving.
Chorbishop sharbel Maroun
President of Noursat, USA