Memorial Feast of The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church

(1381-1457)

Mary, by virtue of being the mother of Jesus Christ, has always been recognized as the Mother of the Church, which Jesus established during His Passion. Before He expired on the Cross, Jesus gave His final instructions to Mary and John, elevating the nature of their relationship within the Kingdom of God. He said to Mary, “Woman, behold thy son,” and to St. John the Beloved (who mystically represents all His disciples), “Behold thy mother.” The title “Mother of the Church” was formally bestowed on Our Lady by Pope Paul VI, and she was given a liturgical memorial under this title by Pope Francis. The feast of Mary, Mother of the Church is celebrated on the Monday following Pentecost, highlighting the fact that the Mother of God was praying alongside her spiritual sons, the Twelve Apostles, at the moment when the Holy Spirit descended upon them at Pentecost.

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Mary is Mother of the Church, and all the special graces she has received – freedom from the stain of sin, intimacy with Christ, and bodily Assumption into heaven – are foretastes and promises of what God intends for all those sanctified by Christ to be part of his body. Mary calls us to join her in the heavenly Jerusalem, and to be a people of holy ardor during our earthly pilgrimage.”

Magnificat, May 24, 2021

Then he said to the disciple, ‘Behold, your mother.”

cf. John 19:25-28

Mary, Mother of Jesus, mother of the church, pray for us.

Be not afraid!  And may the peace of Christ be with you and your loved ones today and always.  Holy Family, pray for us.  Amen.