The Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church

The Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church

By REV. FR. SAMUEL FREDERICK

Gen. 3:9-15.20, Jn 19:25-34. Pope Francis declared this day after the Pentecost Sunday as the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, approximately over two years ago. However, we must not think that this title of the Mother of the Church as modern invention or something new to our faith. The title “Mother of the Church” (Mater Ecclesiae) was applied to the Mother of Jesus by Pope Paul VI in November 1964 at the close of the Second Vatican Council. The title was first used in the fourth century by St Ambrose of Milan and more recently the title was favoured by Pope John Paul II and then incorporated into the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The title “Mother of the Church” (Mater Ecclesiae) is closely linked to Mary’s being at the heart of that prayerful group of apostles and disciples in the upper room, awaiting the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:14). Specifically, her maternal role towards Christ’s faithful is founded on the words spoken by Jesus from the cross to the Beloved Disciple in today's Gospel: "Behold your mother."

In her new motherhood in the Spirit, Mary embraces everyone in and through the Church. At Pentecost, Mary’s maternal presence was right there at the birth of the Church, so that one may rightly honour her as Mother of the Church. Pope Francis assigned the feast to the Monday immediately following Pentecost, to encourage the growth of the maternal sense of the Church in the pastors, religious and faithful, as well as a growth of genuine Marian piety. Mary and the Church exist in such a relationship that one cannot be fully understood without the other. Today, our mother tells us to listen to Jesus, follow Him and be good Christians in our daily living. Today, as we honour Mary as our beloved Mother of the Church, let us listen to her and follow her good examples and dedicate ourselves in walking down the path of faith from now on. She has appeared many times to various people over time, all with reminders and call to everyone to return back to her Son and repent from our sinful ways.

May the Lord help us through our journey of faith and do what we have been called to do, to be faithful witnesses of the truth, salvation and Resurrection of Christ! Amen!! Remain safe as you have a productive New Month!!!

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