July holds deep significance for both the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement and the United States. Here at Graymoor, we joyfully celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of the Atonement, our unique title for the Blessed Mother. This month also marks America’s Independence Day, a reminder of the gift of freedom and those who courageously defend it.
Let us first turn to the Feast of Our Lady of the Atonement. This is especially meaningful to us, the Friars and Sisters of the Atonement. As our Founder, Servant of God Father Paul Wattson, once wrote: “It did not begin in Rome or in a majestic basilica. It was not the interpretation of a great theologian. This Feast Day of Mary is ours. It began at Graymoor, in the heart of New York State.”
Mary is a timeless figure – the humble handmaid of the Lord, whose courageous “yes” to God opened the way for divine grace to enter the world. She walked a lowly path, yet she was lifted by God to carry out a mission beyond our imagination. In Mary, we see both strength and surrender. We see faith and action.
It is fitting to call Our Lady of the Atonement the American Madonna – a title born from our land, which stands for freedom, hope and unity. This naturally leads us to Independence Day, and a story of sacrifice I once heard that left an impression on my heart.
A soldier lost his life while saving a fellow officer in the Vietnam War. Later, that officer visited the fallen soldier’s father, who had shared a love of collecting and admiring art with his son. As a gesture of gratitude, the young man gave the father a portrait he had painted of the son who saved his life. Though not a professional masterpiece, it moved the father deeply. He hung it above his mantle, cherishing it above all his other pieces of art.
When the father passed away a few months later, his art collection was put up for auction. The son’s portrait was the first piece offered – but no one bid on it. After several calls of “Who will take the son?” the longtime gardener of the man stepped forward and purchased it for just $10.
To the crowd’s surprise, the auctioneer then announced that the entire estate – including all the other valuable artwork – would go to whoever took the painting of the son. The gardener, by choosing the son, received everything.
The lesson is clear: God gave us His Son more than 2,000 years ago. And just like the auctioneer’s call, God continues to ask: “Who will take the Son?” For whoever takes the Son receives everything.
May this month be a time of deep reflection and renewal. From all of us at Graymoor, we wish you a safe, joyful summer. Know that you always remain in the hearts and prayers of the Friars.