Today, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Blessed Virgin
Mary under the title of Mother of the Church. In 2018, Pope
Francis instituted this feast day for the Monday following the
Solemnity of Pentecost, which is the birthday of the Church.
The title ‘Mother of the Church’ … reflects the deep conviction of the
Christian faithful, who see in Mary not only the mother of the person of
Christ, but also of the faithful. She, who is recognized as mother of
salvation, life and grace, mother of the saved and mother of the living, is
rightly proclaimed Mother of the Church.” – Pope St. John Paul II
The theological roots of the title “Mother of the Church” go back
to the early Church. The Fathers of the Church often spoke of
Mary as the New Eve. Just as the Woman Eve was “the mother of all the living”
(Genesis 3:2, the Woman Mary was the mother of all those living in Christ. In
Revelation 12:17, St. John says that this Woman‟s offspring are “those who keep the
commandments of God and bear testimony to Jesus.”
Pope St. John Paul II said, “Although the title „Mother of the Church‟ was only recently
attributed to Mary, it expresses the Blessed Virgin‟s maternal relationship with the
Church as shown already in several New Testament texts.” This title is alluded to with
the Annunciation and the Wedding Feast at Cana. As Our Lord approached His final
moments, He entrusted His mother to the care of the Apostle John saying, “Behold, and
your mother!” (John 19:27). With those words, Our Lady became mother not only to the
Apostle, but also to all those who follow Jesus as members of the Mystical Body of
Christ, the Church. And St. Luke recounts that the Blessed Virgin Mary was present
with the Apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ after Our Lord‟s Ascension.
Encouraging the young Church with her maternal presence, she persevered with them
in prayer as they awaited the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (see Acts 1:12-14).
The Blessed Virgin Mary continues her vigilance and care for the Church. Pope St. Paul
VI said, “… the Blessed Mother of God, ... Mother of the Church, continues in Heaven
her maternal role with regard to Christ‟s members, cooperating with the birth and
growth of divine life in the souls of the redeemed.”
Let us turn to Our Blessed Mother for intercessory assistance with confidence, trusting
in her constant prayers for the Church and her enduring love for each of us.