The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church
“Woman, behold, your son!”
Today we celebrate the memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church. This celebration was first taught by St. Ambrose in the fourth century. Then, at the conclusion of the Second Vatican Council’s third session on November 21, 1964, Pope Paul VI proclaimed the title of “Mother of the Church” for the Virgin Mary. And on February 11, 2018, Pope Francis decided that this celebration be inscribed in the General Roman Calendar and be observed on the Monday following Pentecost Sunday.
Today’s celebration is a significant one for us because the Blessed Virgin Mary comes to our life in a very personal way as our mother. In many apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary, she called herself in a deeper and relational way as “your mother” and she called us “my [child] children.” Our relationship with the Blessed Virgin Mary is one that will last for all eternity.
She will continue to be the Mother of the Church who will always pray, intercede, guide and protect her children, Jesus’ brothers and sisters.
When Jesus offered us to the Blessed Virgin Mary, he acknowledged the Blessed Virgin Mary’s strong faith and fidelity in following Christ until the end. Jesus entrusted all of us into Mary’s intercession and guidance that we too may have a strong faith like hers and follow the commands of the Lord until the end.
Prayer
Almighty and ever living God, we thank you for the Blessed Virgin Mary, who has always been a great Mother for us and a model of faith as we follow your Son, Jesus Christ. May through her faithful intercession for the Church and all her children, our faith be stronger and may fully live our mission in the Church for the salvation of the world.
Amen.
Fr. Leo Hambur, OSM
