Molli Vassar

I met Molli Vassar my second year in the seminary, through a mutual friend who was a fellow seminarian. Molli immediately catches your attention; in a lily white diocese a six foot African-American woman stands out! We aren’t used to Catholics of colour in this part of the country, especially ones who work for the church! But what really makes Molli stand out is her spirituality. In touch with a

deeper level of reality, I believe her to be a true mystic. Her prayers, support, and encouragement have been invaluable to me in my priestly ministry. When I am in need of a spiritual boost I can always count on Molli to rekindle my passion!

Molli has an especially strong devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.  Perhaps rather than "devotion" a better choice of words would be "relationship".  It is quite obvious that Mary is a real and concrete presence in Molli's life, a companion for the journey upon whom she relies mightily.  I have drawn great inspiration from the example of her relationship with Mary.  I hope to be able to invite the Blessed Mother to be as concrete a part of my life as Molli has made her, knowing that there is no one more able to draw me ever closer to Yeshua than His most precious Mother ....

Coptic Icon of Mary