Bp. Fabre: Mary, model of ‘prompt’ and effective intercession

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By BETH DONZE
Clarion Herald

For the 206th consecutive year, the Archdiocese of New Orleans celebrated a citywide Mass marking the Solemnity of Our Lady of Prompt Succor in gratitude for Our Lady’s intercession in the American victory over the British in the Battle of New Orleans on Jan. 8, 1815.

“Our celebration in honor of Our Lady of Prompt Succor invites us again to lift our minds and hearts in gratitude to God for past favors, and for present favors as well,” said Houma-Thibodaux Bishop Shelton Fabre, homilist at the late-afternoon Mass celebrated inside the National Shrine of Our Lady Of Prompt Succor, on the State Street campus of Ursuline Academy of New Orleans.

Bishop Fabre paid homage to Mary as “the perfect disciple,” a model of complete trust in God and, consequently, the best intercessor we have when we have something to ask of her divine son. 

“One of the greatest things that God asks of us, in all circumstances, is to trust him,” Bishop Fabre said. He said that while it is appropriate to honor Mary as “the one who brought to birth our savior,” it is just as important to honor the Blessed Mother for her immediate and total embrace of faith in Jesus.

“As blessed as Mary was to bring the Messiah to birth – to  serve as Mother of God – St. Augustine (observed that) she was even more blessed in the fact that she believed in her son,” Bishop Fabre said.

Because of this, “each one of us can be blessed in a similar manner as Mary was blessed, because of our belief in Jesus Christ (and) our desire to be the best disciple of Jesus Christ that we can be,” Bishop Fabre said.

Bishop Fabre concluded by observing that Mary’s “prompt succor” – quick assistance – was on clear display in the Mass‘ Gospel reading from the second chapter of St. John, in which she immediately turns to Jesus upon hearing of a need: the dwindling supply of wine at the marriage feast in Cana. Mary instructs the servants to “do whatever he tells you.” Mary doesn't speak many words in sacred Scripture, which gives this imperative extra weight, Bishop Fabre said.

“Mary (uses those same words – ‘do whatever he tells you’) as she quickly makes intercession for you and for me,” he said, urging congregants to ask for Our Lady‘s help in ending two ongoing and pervasive plagues: the coronavirus pandemic and racism. The latter, Bishop Fabre said, calls for a conversion of hearts, and Mary’s example proves that we can go to God, with confidence and trust, to tackle any problem.

“Our Lady of Prompt Succor, hasten to help us,” prayed Bishop Fabre. “Let us continue to honor Mary, Our Lady of Prompt Succor, who interceded for a city in its time of great need and continues to intercede for us!”

The Mass’ principal celebrant was Archbishop Gregory Aymond. Concelebrants included Archbishop Emeritus Alfred Hughes and former Baton Rouge Bishop Robert Muench.

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