Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church
Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church
Monday after Pentecost
In 2018, Pope Francis established a new universal memorial in the Church’s liturgical calendar: the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church. Celebrated each year on the Monday following Pentecost, this memorial reminds us that Mary’s motherhood did not end at the foot of the Cross. Rather, from that moment, she became the mother of all Christ’s faithful followers—our mother in the order of grace.
This title, "Mother of the Church", was first used by St. Ambrose in the 4th century and later affirmed by Pope St. Paul VI at the conclusion of the Second Vatican Council. The Gospel for this memorial recounts Jesus’ words from the Cross to Mary and to the beloved disciple: “Woman, behold your son… Behold your mother” (John 19:26–27). In that profound moment, Mary was entrusted to the Church, and the Church to her.
By placing this memorial immediately after Pentecost, the Church highlights Mary’s presence at the very heart of the early Church. She was with the apostles, praying for the coming of the Holy Spirit. Just as she gave birth to Christ in the flesh, she now helps give birth to Christ in us, His members.
Mary continues to guide the Church with a mother’s care. She leads us to her Son, intercedes for us, and models perfect discipleship. As we honor her under this beautiful title, let us entrust ourselves, our families, and our parish to her maternal protection.
Mary, Mother of the Church—pray for us!
In Christ,
Fr. Joe Connelly