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 4 years ago introduced another feast dedicated to the Blessed Mother – as Mother of the Church, celebrated today, the day after 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. The image shown with this post shows Mary protecting everyone under her mantle of guidance, peace and harmony.

O Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church to you we recommend ourselves and the entire Church. Guide and assist our Holy Father and our Bishops in their apostolic mission, and aid all who help them in their work. Enlighten the People of God along the paths of faith, hope and love! You were given to us as a mother by your Divine Son at the moment of his redeeming death. Remember us your children, support our prayers to God. Preserve our Faith, strengthen our Hope, increase our Charity. Immaculate Heart! Help us to conquer the menace of evil, which so easily takes root in the hearts of the people of today. From nuclear war, from incalculable self-destruction, and from every kind of war, deliver us. From sins against human life from its very beginning, deliver us. From every kind of injustice in the life of society, deliver us. From readiness to trample on the commandments of God, deliver us. From attempts to stifle the very truth of God, deliver us. From the loss of awareness of good and evil deliver us. From sins against the Holy Spirit, deliver us. We resolve to walk in your footsteps and to imitate your virtues. Obtain for us, O tender Mother, the grace of being faithful to this promise.