Saturdays are for the (Mama’s) Boys
Bromance. A word used comically all over the globe the past few years. A label which is used to categorize male friendships that contain an intimacy few other friendships have. “Saturdays are for the boys” is a mantra that has caught on in the past year thanks to a viral meme. I’ve been known on multiple occasions to shout both of these terms randomly when I’m with my best guy friends, whether it is a Saturday or not.
Brotherhood should get us all fired up, because men can learn a lot from each other. On top of that, many women can attest that sometimes a man’s energy is best let out with a good group of brothers. So, I’d like to propose an addition to “Saturdays are for the boys” that would help men grow as brothers in a new, more profound way.
Saturdays being reserved for someone is not a new phenomenon. In the Church, Saturday was dedicated to honoring Our Lady beginning in the 8th century. This Saturday devotion was widely praised and appreciated because Mary, Queen of everything, has come to the aid of hundreds of millions of people throughout the years.
For example, the Memorare prayer reminds us that no one is left unaided when they ask for the intercession of the Blessed Mother. The recipients of her love, and grace, include many of the Church’s Saints. In fact, Saint Louis de Montfort writes, “The greatest saints, those richest in grace and virtue will be the most assiduous in praying to the most Blessed Virgin, looking up to her as the perfect model to imitate and as a powerful helper to assist them.”
The most epic brotherhood of all time, the 12 apostles, leaned heavily on Mary. There’s no doubt that on more than one Saturday, they gathered around her for her warmth and guidance. So, men of this world, are you ready for next-level bromance?
Start your day as brothers with a rosary. I understand the culture’s effort to make bromance and “Saturdays are for the boys” a label for male friendships devoted to goofiness and debauchery, but why not turn the culture’s perception of men on its head? Join the Church and show your Mother some appreciation alongside your brothers every Saturday. That’s true bromance.
