One of the things that children do instinctively is turn to their mother in time of need. Children know their mother will be there to protect them and keep them safe. As Christians, our instinct is to turn to the Mother of God in times of trial and affliction. She is our unfailing intercessor and our gentle “Protectress.” This sentiment for the Mother of God is at the center of a special feast celebrated on Aug. 31 — the Feast of the Deposition of the Belt of the Mother of God.

After her Dormition, the Mother of God left her belt to the Apostle Thomas. This belt was later taken to Constantinople and kept there in a sealed casket in the church at Blachernae. This casket was never opened until the time of Emperor Leo the Wise (886-912), when his wife, Empress Zoe, became ill.

The emperor had been inspired in a vision to take the belt of the Mother of God and place it upon his ailing wife. The casket was opened and the belt of the Holy Virgin was placed upon the empress, who recovered immediately. This present feast was instituted as a memorial of the event.

Throughout the centuries, other feasts, such as the Feast of the Protection of the Mother of God on Oct. 1, have been instituted to commemorate the intercession of the Holy Virgin. The Mother of God is never at a loss to come to the aid of her children in time of need. St. Bernard tells us that “whoever turns to the Holy Virgin in time of need will never remain unaided.”

O Master and Author of all creation, You have subjected the times and seasons to your power. With Your great blessing, crown the cycle of this year, O compassionate Lord. We pray toYou to keep Your people in peace, safety and good health through the prayers of Your precious mother and all the holy angels. Amen.

This is an Old Testament image that prefigures the Mother of God. Moses saw it on Mt. Horeb. He saw the bush aflame but not consumed, showing the sinless conception of Christ by the Holy Theotokos and the indwelling of the Holy Spirt. In this great mystery, she became a Mother while remaining a virgin. So also, the bush burned but was not consumed.

This is a rich depiction of the icon; there are two diamonds that are overlaid forming an eight pointed star. One is red for the frame and the other is green for the bush. The four corners have in them Moses with the Burning Bush; an angel holding out a live coal to Isaiah; the gate that no man could enter, except the Lord, as seen in a vision by Ezekiel; and Jacob’s vision of the ladder. In the center is the Holy Virgin holding the Christ Child on one hand, and Jacob’s ladder in the other   calling mankind to ascend to heaven from earth.

Also depicted are the four mystical “beasts” mentioned in the Apocalypse of St. John, which are the same as seen by the Prophet Ezekiel. These are interpreted by the Church as the four evangelists: the ox for St. Luke, as the symbol of the priesthood; the eagle for St. John, symbolizing the loftiness of spiritual things and the life-giving Spirit; the lion for St. Mark, as a symbol of royalty; and a man for St. Matthew, who represents Christ who became man for our salvation.

It is believed that the icon was brought to Moscow in 1390 by a Palestinian monk. Traditionally, the icon is a guard against fire. It has been known to save homes from the destruction by fire during the times at which other buildings have been destroyed. This icon is commemorated on September 4, the same day as the Prophet Moses.

As we continue to look at the lives of extraordinary disciples, those who chose to live the Gospel in their lives, let us take a look at the life of Dom Helder Camara.

Dom Helder Camara was an archbishop of the poorest and least developed archdiocese of Brazil. But he has been described as “one of the shapers of the Catholic Church in the second half of the twentieth century.” Early in his life, he was part of a conservative political movement inspired by Italian fascism. But as he became more and more involved in pastoral work in Rio de Janeiro, he became increasingly affected by the poor. In trying to relate the message of the gospel to their sufferings, he underwent a radical conversion which finally reached the point where he himself was labeled a Communist and called “the red bishop.” His was an outspoken witness for peace and social justice in a land ruled by a brutal military dictatorship. Dom Helder’s message was reflected in his style of leadership. Instead of a pectoral cross of gold or silver, he wore a simple wooden cross. He moved out of the bishop’s palace and lived in a much poorer house. He encouraged the training of lay catechists and opened the seminary doors to lay people and women. His own door was always open to any who sought him, and he presented himself as truly the servant of the people. His house was sprayed with machine gun fire; his diocesan offices were repeatedly ransacked; he was banned for thirteen years by the government from any public speaking; the newspapers were not permitted to mention his name; and even the Church in Rome continually questioned his orthodoxy. When he retired as archbishop of Recife, his conservative successor reversed nearly all of his initiative. He died on the 27^th of August, 1999, but his spirit lives on.

Since I have been asked to join an organ tour in Germany, I will be away from the parish from September 4^th until September 16^th. Fr. Ray Gelineau will preside at the weekend liturgies during my absence. Auf wiedersehn!