Memorial of Mary, Mother of the Church

Today is the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church. It was established by Pope Francis in 2018 to be celebrated on the Monday after Pentecost.

A beautiful mosaic of Mary was placed in Saint Peter's Square by Pope Saint John Paul II and is titled, Mater Ecclesiae (Latin meaning Mother of the Church). Under the image of Mary, his apostolic motto is inscribed, Totus Tuus (totally yours). He entrusted himself completely into the arms of the Blessed Virgin Mary. He desired that all who come to Saint Peter's Square raise their eyes with trust and in prayer.

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, we can turn to Mary. She is our model and our Mother. She guides and accompanies us and the Church on the pilgrim journey with the tender love of a mother.

Alleluia. Alleluia. O happy Virgin, you gave birth to the Lord; O Blessed Mother of the Church, you warm our hearts with the Spirit of your Son Jesus Christ. Alleluia. Alleluia.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee...

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