Having attentively considered how greatly the promotion of this devotion might 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, Pope Francis has decreed that the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, should be inscribed in the Roman Calendar on the Monday after Pentecost and be now celebrated every year.
This celebration will help us to remember that growth in the Christian life must be anchored to the Mystery of the Cross, to the oblation of Christ in the Eucharistic Banquet and to the Mother of the Redeemer and Mother of the Redeemed, the Virgin who makes her offering to God.
— From the Decree on the celebration of the Blessed Virgin Mary Mother of the Church in the General Roman Calendar, for the full text see press.vatican.va.
The peace of the Lord be with you. The piece above was included in my electronic version of the liturgy of hours this morning. Pope Francis’s words remind us that there is a maternal nature to the Church. It was only through Mary’s yes that the church has progressed to where it is today along the path of salvation history. Like those of us who have said yes to God the Father, she did not know where she was going, what she might be asked to do, and I’m certain she had no awareness of the sacrifice that she would see and experience. At a time when we all need strength and world needs peace I ask that you lift your voices and ask her to continue praying for us to God the Father so that the division, hate, and violence may come to an end.
Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy,
hail, our life, our sweetness, and our hope.
To you we cry, the children of Eve;
to you we send up our sighs,
mourning and weeping in this land of exile.
Turn, then, most gracious advocate,
your eyes of mercy toward us;
lead us home at last
and show us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus:
O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.
In the name of the father, the son, and the Holy Spirit.
Amen