Dear Friend of the Brothers,
In just a few short weeks we’ll celebrate a beautiful holiday – Mothers Day!
This year, Sunday May 8th, is the exact day we’ll celebrate Mother’s Day. This is the day we set aside each year to honor that special person who gave us life, who nurtured us, taught us, and protected us from all things seen and unseen. Like an exquisite red rose, a mother’s beautiful love is indeed one of life’s most precious gifts.
Each of us has a special memory of our mother. For me it was her support and guidance, which enabled me to become a Marist Brother. She was always there when I needed her, and I do miss her greatly.
Even though many of our mothers have passed on, the memories and love that was shared between mother and child never goes away. I always feel like my mother is right beside me, watching over me and still helping me in times of need. I guess it is really a bond that will never be broken. Thankfully so!!
When I find myself in times of trouble, I always seem to slip into our Chapel and pray to our Blessed Mother for her intercession.
Just this morning I spent a great deal of time praying to our Blessed Mother. I’d like to share with you the reason for my praying for Mary’s intercession on my behalf. It’s really quite simple. The cost of the prescription and over-the-counter medicines needed for our elderly and disabled Marist Brothers continues to escalate – with no end in sight.
The funds needed for these medications just aren’t there. If I only had to deal with one or two Brothers, it would be possible. But when you have to take care of dozens of Brothers, it quickly becomes unmanageable.
We just don’t have all of the necessary resources to cover the roughly $4,500 needed each month for these prescriptions and medications. We use generic medicine whenever possible, but even the cost of those continues to escalate with each passing year.
That is why I prayed to our Blessed Mother, and this is also why I turn to you today for your help. Just as I place our cares and troubles with Mary, our Good Mother, I also ask you for your intercession on our behalf – so that together we can take care of our elderly and disabled Marist Brothers.
As a small token of my gratitude for your help, I’ve enclosed a special Marial prayer booklet, which honors our Blessed Mother. Please read the prayers and pray along with our Brothers that Mary will intercede on our behalf and help us meet the cost of the prescription medications.
Also, this Mother’s Day we will honor our mothers, grandmothers, wife, sisters, aunts, neighbors, and friends whom we’ve shared a maternal love with, by way of a special Mother’s Day Mass to be said on Sunday, May 8th.
During Mass we will place a dozen red roses on our altar in honor of all those women who have been a special part of our lives. Please take the time to fill out the special intention slip I’ve enclosed with this letter. We would be honored to include all of your special intentions as part of our celebration.
Please be as generous as possible this Mother’s Day, as any amount you can send will go a long way to helping pay the $4,500 needed each month for the ever increasing cost of medications. Even if you can only afford $10.00, please know it will make a difference.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you do for our elderly and disabled Marist Brothers. The Brothers and I keep you in our thoughts and prayers each and every day.
God bless you for caring,
Br. Hugh P. Turley, F.M.S.
Director of Development
