The Rev. Rich Badics of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Ann Arbor wrote a reflection about Mary, the mother of the Church, in the July 26 weekly bulletin. 

While this year has been a challenge, it is a great reminder to reach out to the Lord in prayer, in imitation to what Mary, our mother, did during her earthly pilgrimage, Badics told parishioners. 

“Mary had a great prayer life,” Badics wrote. “In prayer, Mary gave her 'yes' to the Will of the Father. God also has a unique plan for each of us.” 

Badics explained that in prayer we are able to contact and converse with God. Even as Mary was able to overcome challenges such as fleeing to Egypt and watching her son die on the cross.

“Intimacy with God through prayer brings comfort in our trials,” Basics wrote. “Mother Teresa of Calcutta reminds us that we are not all called to do great things but to do little things with great love.” 

Praying for the health of a local parish can be such a small action taken with great love.