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September 4: FEAST OF OUR LADY OF CONSOLATION
by Augustinians of the Immaculate Heart of Mary on Thursday, September 2, 2010 at 8:54pm
by Fr. Joseph Augustine, AIHM
As our community of AIHM celebrates seventeen years of growing and serving, we give thanks to God by making a special effort to teach and perpetuate Augustinian devotions. We have a special love for Our Lady of Consolation, whose feast is September 4.
Legend (not history) holds that Mary gave a shining leather cincture from her own tunic to Monica as a sign of her consolation with Monica’s struggle to teach Augustine the Christian faith and love of God. Upon his conversion, Monica gave it to Augustine who then gave it to his community. The painting shows Mary giving the cincture to Monica and Augustine. Beyond the pseudo history of this, the image is important.
As Augustinians we are called to share the consolation God has given us in Mary’s arms with those we meet. It is a part of our call and spirit.
The Gospel for this feast reminds us of Mary at the Cross. She suffered with her son and knows the pain of loss. She also knows more than any the love and joy of God’s promise. She shares this with us all, especially as Augustinians. When Augustinians gird themselves with her cincture they should remember this.
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Note: All Augustinians wear a leather cincture as part of their habit. The leather cincture is presented to AIHM novices and oblates when they are received by the Order.