Franciscan Friars from Holy Name Province Offer New Devotion to Blessed Mother as 'Mary the New Eve'

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J., Sept. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- In the tradition of providing unique ministries in both word and deed, the Franciscan Friars from Holy Name Province are offering a one-of-a-kind prayer to the Blessed Mother as "Mary the New Eve" for the benefit of expectant mothers and those who love them.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100901/NY58373)

(Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100901/NY58373)

As shown eight months pregnant in a statue from Ecuador, Mary the New Eve allows us to look at the birth of Christ, and of all of us, in a very different and very human light, said Rev. Joseph M. Hertel, OFM, director of St. Anthony's Guild, which is sponsoring the new devotion. Through this devotion, he noted that the Blessed Mother causes us to reflect upon the love of Mary and the love of God.

"A mother passes along so much to her child. They're so dependent on her in all those moments of intense love, sacrifice and generosity," says Rev. Russell Becker, OFM, who composed the prayer to Mary the New Eve. "When the child is born, the promise of conception is brought to fulfillment and the adventure continues – more surprises and more challenges, along with joy beyond all telling."

Mary the New Eve is a unique, loving prayerful devotion for expectant mothers throughout the year, but is particularly significant during the four-week Advent season before Christmas and on the Feast of the Annunciation on March 25.

The statue of a pregnant Mary reminds us of the challenges, possibilities and moments of profound influence associated with pregnancy. Mary's experience of pregnancy was similar to the pregnancies of all women. Everything Mary did and experienced as a pregnant woman, Jesus experienced in the womb. The faith, love and care that Mary shared with others must have surely touched Jesus.

It is with this in mind that the Franciscan Friars offer Mary the New Eve to hear prayers for safety and health of expectant mothers and for the children they carry.  Through her, expectant mothers may find solace in that their longing and expectations may be fulfilled with the same joy experienced by Mary during that first Christmas.

In addition to the statue of Mary the New Eve, St. Anthony's Guild is offering personalized prayer cards for expectant mothers. For more information on the statue or prayer cards, please visit www.anthonian.org/resources/marythe-new-eve.

About the Franciscan Friars

Mary the New Eve is being offered on behalf of the Franciscan Friars of Holy Name Province through St. Anthony's Guild.

With more than 350 members, Holy Name Province is the largest group of Franciscan Friars in the U.S. The Franciscan Friars serve from New England to Florida in gathering God's people together in celebration of the sacraments and in providing traditional ministries in both word and deed.

Founded in 1901 and with its provincial office in New York City, Holy Name Province is one of seven provinces in the U.S. belonging to the Order of Friars Minor (OFM), the largest group of friars in the worldwide Franciscan Order of the Roman Catholic Church.

Members of the Holy Name Province live and preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi through six important ministries – 31 parishes in 10 states, institutions of higher learning in St. Bonaventure University and Siena College, urban ministries, preaching and spiritual centers, direct service to the poor, and foreign missions.

SOURCE Franciscan Friars of Holy Name Province