Called to be Saints through Mary

Published by Normandy Lopez Coloma in Great Britain and Ireland · Friday 07 Nov 2025 · 3:00
Tags: NU, GBI, 1309

SOUTHAMPTON, United Kingdom - All Saints’ Day was celebrated in a special way by the Montfort Missionaries at our St. Joseph Centre, Southampton. The gathering, organized by Fr. Richard Magararu, SMM, was graced by the presence of Fr. Yoseph Putra Dwi Darma Watun, SMM, Superior General; Fr. Marco Pasinato, SMM, Vicar General; Fr. Balaswamy Kata, SMM, General Bursar; and Fr. Kieran Flynn, SMM, the only British Montfort priest in the UK. The event drew approximately 120 pilgrims from various Catholic communities across Bournemouth, London, Kent, and Southampton.

The Montfort priests warmly welcomed the participants as they arrived by coach. Fr. Richard began the day with Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, followed by the Sacrament of Confession. Since the celebration fell just after the end of the Month of the Holy Rosary, a living rosary was held outdoors, involving all pilgrims. A large rosary made of lanterns served as the beads, each held by a participant. Together, the congregation prayed the Holy Rosary following a method proposed by St. Louis-Marie de Montfort, with each participant offering an individual prayer.

The highlight of the day was the Holy Mass, presided over by Fr. Dwi and concelebrated by the other Montfort priests. Reflecting on the feast’s theme, Fr. Dwi reminded everyone that all are called to holiness — to become saints — by living out the spirit of the Beatitudes proclaimed in the Gospel. He concluded his homily by sharing St. Louis’ four means of obtaining Jesus-Wisdom: desire, prayer, mortification, and Mary. Uplifting liturgical music, led by the St. Boniface Parish Choir from Southampton, enhanced the solemnity and joy of the celebration.

At midday, participants shared a communal lunch, bringing and exchanging food among groups. This time of fellowship allowed pilgrims and priests to interact and strengthen bonds of friendship and faith.

In the afternoon, a recollection was led by Fr. Marco Pasinato, SMM, who guided everyone in reflecting on how devotion to Mary deepens one’s relationship with Jesus and therefore the path to holiness. Drawing from the teachings of St. Louis-Marie de Montfort, he compared Mary to a tree bearing the fruit of Jesus and to a magnet attracting all graces. He reminded the faithful that, just as Jesus entrusted John to his Mother and Mary to his beloved disciple at the foot of the Cross, all Christians are invited to do the same and welcome Mary into their lives by surrendering to her maternal care.

The recollection concluded with the Act of Consecration to Jesus through Mary. Each participant received a prayer card and was invited to sign it as a personal commitment to live this consecration daily. The day ended with a blessing and the sprinkling of holy water, marking a moment of grace and renewal.

As the celebration drew to a close, participants took photos for remembrance, cherishing the joy and inspiration of the day. The event was filled with uplifting teachings and heartfelt devotion — a true celebration of faith and hope as the Church continues its journey through this Jubilee Year of Hope.

Normandy Lopez Coloma

Montfort Associate UK

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