Memorial of Mary, Mother of the Church

Today is the 1st celebration of a new Marian Feast Day honoring Mary, Mother of the Church, instituted by Pope Francis. It will be celebrated on the Monday after Pentecost.

Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home. John 19:25-27

When Mary stood at the foot of the Cross, Jesus gave her to the beloved disciple John and he took her to his home. In giving His Mother to John, Jesus gave her to us. Mary is our Mother and she is the Mother of the Church. God entrusted her with this mission. When we experience the cross, turn to Mary. She is our model and our Mother. She guides and accompanies the Church on the pilgrim journey with the tender love of a mother.

The disciples devoted themselves with one another to prayer with Mary, the Mother of Jesus. Acts 1:14