Mary, Mother of the Church

Yesterday we commemorated the birthday of the church, and as Mary gave birth to Jesus Christ, she somehow gave birth to the church, which He represents. Pope Francis 3 years ago introduced another feast dedicated to the Blessed Mother – as Mother of the Church, celebrated today, the day after the birthday of the church, Pentecost. Remember that on that day, Mary was with the apostles, gathered together as a community, as a church, as the Body of Christ. Today we honor her again as our Mother – the Mother of all Christians, and Mother of all churches. This feast was actually introduced by Pope St. Paul VI in 1964, who had declared Mary as Mother of the Church, that is Mother of all Christians and of all priests. Then in 1975, the Year of Mercy, the church had also introduced a special Mass in honor of Mary as Mater Ecclesia, mother of the church. Above all, we must look at Mary as the one who gives us life, that spiritual oxygen which energizes us and nourishes us with her presence in our lives. May the Blessed Mother bless all of our families and may they be strengthened in their weakness through her continued motherly protection.