Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church
For centuries, Christians have venerated Mary’s care of the Church. In 1964, Saint Paul VI formally bestowed on her the title “Mother of the Church.” In Argentina, Poland, and the Vatican, Christians have long celebrated this feast. And in March 2018, Pope Francis announced the creation of a new feast day for all of God’s people in commemoration of Mary, Mother of the Church. It is now celebrated on the First Monday after Pentecost. That is today.
In announcing the Feast, Pope Francis wrote: “Mary became the tender Mother of the Church, which Christ brought about on the Cross. Christ, in turn, in the Beloved Disciple, called all disciples to be ministers of his love for his Blessed Mother, entrusting her to them so that they might welcome her with devoted affection.” Pope Francis reminds us that just as Mary loves each one of us as a mother loves her own child, we are called to love her with the same love.
What does all of this mean for us, here and now, in our homes and Pan de Vida Family during these uncertain times? In the Manual of Marian Devotion, we read: “Mary’s place is at the center of God’s plan. Christ’s story is her story; she is the mother to God’s people. She is an essential actor in the great drama of salvation history.”
“All generations shall call me blessed” (Lk 1:48b) as Mary sings in her Magnificat. She is present from the start, in every step of the way: Bethlehem, Nazareth, Cana, and Jerusalem. Mary is present at the end — along the Way of the Cross and at the foot of the Cross. Mary is present at the new beginning at Pentecost. She is present as the disciples preach the Gospel among God’s people. She is present as the first Christians are persecuted. When so many others run away, she remains.
She is Our Lady of Consolation. She waits for us with a mother’s love. Her task in salvation history is to always, always, always point to her Son our LORD Jesus Christ.
She points to him now. Will we follow her lead?
—Timothy J. Cronin