Today, St. John Vianney College Seminary will be consecrated to the Blessed Virgin Mary in a ceremony presided by Bishop Thomas Wenski, Bishop of Orlando, signifying the first major event of the seminary in celebration of its 50th Anniversary year. Over the past several months, a new mosaic dedicated to Mary, Star of the Sea has been in the works. The first major pieces were placed over the summer. For the first few weeks of this semester, the “Garden Crew” (a seminary house job) has been diligently working at polishing the tiles and removing the excess grout. The mosaic truly looks amazing! (Pictures will be posted after the dedication this afternoon.)

Dedicating the mosaic to Mary, Star of the Sea is significant for us at the seminary. It reminds us that whenever we face challenges, struggles and temptations in life we can always look to our Blessed Mother for guidance and protection. In other words, we are all ships drifting out on the sea with no idea of which way to go. But we look to the sky and see a bright light emerging through the darkness and chaos of the storm, leading us to a safe harbor. That bright light that guides us is Mary.

Let us turn then to our Blessed Mother, Star of the Sea, asking for her  intercession to protect us from all temptations and guidance to lead us to know her Son more deeply.

Mary, New Eve and Star of the Sea, pray for us.

PHOTO SOURCE: Dignare Me Laudare Te, Virgo Sacrata