|
Our Lady Immaculate
When the first church was built in Dunstable it was dedicated to the Immaculate Conception in the name of, ‘Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal’, although it became know by the name of ‘St.Mary’s’. When the new church was built the parish was re-dedicated in the name of ‘Our Lady Immaculate’, continuing the patronage of the Immaculate Conception. The church community however, retained the usage
Of the name, ‘St. Mary’s. As a point of interest, for some reason, the diocesan directory never listed the first church in its pages, then when the new church was built the directory listed the church, not by it’s Patronage title, but by the name of ‘St. Mary’. In this Parish of St. Mary’s, which has grown from one church community to now three, one parish, one Parish Priest, the one patron for all, This new church of ours, the mother church of the whole parish, had a specially carved statue made in honour of the patron, made in the image of the Immaculate Conception as portrayed on the Miraculous Medal, thereby continuing it’s long association with The Immaculate Conception, the statue, confirming the patronage name of this parish of St. Mary. This unique statue, our very own, gives us an opportunity to portray Our Blessed Lady our patron, to all the people of parish, in a way that has never been done before.
By reproducing this photographic image, we are able to provide a reminder to everyone of how we are associated with Her. To that end, a small prayer card has been produced showing the image of the statue, and it is intended that each parishioner should be provided with this prayer card, free. Also it is intended to produce an A4 size picture to be made available, but this would need to be sold as a means towards covering costs. So the endorsement by the Parish Council, its members, on behalf of the whole parish is hoped for. ‘Go tell everyone’. And as Our blessed Mother herself said. “And so you see me intimately associated with my Son Jesus. I co-operate with Him in his work of salvation…”. There is much to be gained by enhancing the image of the Parish Patron and no doubt, Jesus Christ will be impressed by this additional honour paid to His Mother. Raphael de Lusignan. 12th May 2008. The quotation of Our Lady, is taken from the book of the Marian Movement of Priest’s, ‘To the Priest’s Our Lady’s Beloved Sons’.
|
