Mary Mother of the Church: Behold Your Mother - 25 May 2026

My homily explores the Catholic feast of Mary, Mother of the Church, celebrated on the Monday after Pentecost, marking the transition into Ordinary Time. This title, officially promulgated by Pope Paul VI, finds its theological roots in the belief that if Mary is the mother of Jesus, she is naturally the mother of his mystical body, the Church. The narrative highlights the biblical scene at Calvary, where Jesus entrusted his mother to the apostle John, symbolizing his desire for all believers to welcome her into their spiritual lives. By contrasting Mary’s obedience with Eve’s disobedience, I emphasize her role as a protective figure who intercedes for the faithful. Ultimately, the text encourages believers to move beyond physical devotions and truly place themselves under Mary’s maternal care in all aspects of life. To illustrate this devotion, my homily recounts how Pope John Paul II installed a prominent mosaic of Mary in St. Peter’s Square to ensure her constant presence at the heart of the Church.