The celebration of the 400th anniversary of the Feast of the Presentation of the Child Mary is an important event for all of us who form part of the Company of Mary.
As we bring to mind this tradition so deeply rooted in our history, we think of Mary Our Lady to whom Jeanne de Lestonnac “consecrated the students and placed them under her
protection inviting them to imitate her in whatever way of life God called them”. Mary becomes an example and point of reference, the companion who stands beside us and teaches us how to be and live our lives.
If we ask ourselves what we learn from Mary, in terms of the unfaltering faith that makes possible the birth of God within her, we must recall her life in Nazareth, her village. We do not find her placed on any pedestal; she speaks to us of a simple life, of acceptance and self-giving, of care and mutual help. We see her as a good citizen and a faith-filled Jew who gives witness to her faith and celebrates its traditions.
The Magnificat expresses how a woman views life with eyes wide open, and how she jubilantly celebrates the greatness of the Lord and His care for the lowliest. Her song reveals her insights, commitments and hope.
If we follow her journey we encounter the Mary who knew how to interpret the events of her life, who knew how to ponder them in her heart and discover in them the signs of God’s will for her. Her listening to reality, her listening to each person, to the Word and to her own inner life, empowered her to embrace the mystery within herself.
At the Wedding Feast of Cana we learn from her how to enjoy a feast, we learn about the good times that life has to offer, and how to be attentive to the needs of others. She sees to it that everything is properly taken care of, and she knows how to do this without calling attention to herself, placing herself in the background.
It is easy to imagine her accompanying her Son, closely and from a distance, without fully understanding everything at times, but always trusting… As the first disciple of Jesus she shows us the path to follow.
At the foot of the cross, filled with pain and with strength, she verifies her absolute “yes”, her commitment until the end, and she opens the door to the future for the Church.
She, the most generous woman of all, invites us to live a life of authenticity and integrity. To be “sealed” with Mary is to affirm that life is meaningful to the degree that it is open to others, in gratitude, forgiveness, seeking justice… and in striving to build a better future for all.
To celebrate the Feast of the Presentation today is to unite ourselves to all the persons who, throughout these 400 years, have experienced this feast as a sign of identity. It is to express, once again, the commitment to follow Jesus, like Mary; to renew our faith and to know that we are in her company so that we may continue to extend our hand to others.
To celebrate the Feast of the Presentation is to acknowledge Mary as guardian of the educational work that Jeanne de Lestonnac wanted to offer for the good of society and that continues today in the mission carried out by the Company of Mary in different countries.
Circular to the Company of Mary by Beatriz Acosta Mesa, odn
Paintings by Arcabas
