Remembering 5 years since Archbishop Gomez consecrated U.S. to Mary
“When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me,” sang Paul McCartney in the enduring 1970 Beatles’ anthem, “Let It Be.”
McCartney, who was baptized Catholic, said the lyric was inspired by a dream appearance of his biological mother. But many listeners — given the hymn-like organ chords in the tune — instead assumed a reference to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Indeed, “in times of trouble” it’s only natural for Catholics to resort to petitioning their own Mother Mary. And five years ago — on May 1, 2020, during the first terrifying stages of the COVID-19 pandemic — the bishops of the United States did just that.