Mary, the Church's Silent Strength

Author: Fr. Ignatius Britto, SJ

From the Cross to Pentecost
Reflection Date: 09 June 2025
Daily Reading: Acts 1: 12-14    John 19: 25-34                      
Feast of Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church

The Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, is a recent addition to the Roman Catholic liturgical calendar, instituted by Pope Francis in 2018. It is celebrated on the Monday after Pentecost, highlighting Mary’s maternal role in the life of the Church.

The feast reminds us that Mary accompanies the Church in her mission of evangelization and care for all people. The first reading describes how the disciples, after the Ascension of Jesus, returned to Jerusalem and gathered together in prayer with Mary, the Mother of Jesus. Their unity and devotion in prayer powerfully presented a community gathered in love. Her quiet fidelity bridges the earthly ministry of Jesus and the birth of the Church. Thus, Mary’s presence at Pentecost reminds us that the Church is a family united in prayer. She continues to show us how to respond in faith to her Son, Jesus.

In John’s Gospel, Mary stands at the foot of the Cross along with the beloved disciple John. There, Jesus entrusts her to John’s care and the disciple to Mary, symbolizing her spiritual motherhood over all believers. Mary becomes the Mother of the Church, just as the Church is born from the pierced heart of Jesus. The blood and water, symbolizing the sacraments of the Eucharist and Baptism, signify the sacrificial life and cleansing.

Mary is present first on Calvary, then in the upper room. She embodies faithful discipleship, suffering with Christ and uniting all in prayer for the coming of the Holy Spirit. Thus, the Church becomes a spiritual family bound by love and a shared mission.

Call to Action:

• Let us stand with Mary and the Church to recognize the new life that flows from the pierced heart of Jesus.
• Mary becomes part of the praying community. This highlights the importance of prayer in times of transition and waiting.