Ave Maria

MOTHER OF THE CHURCH

Already you knew my soul;
my body held no secret from you
when I was being fashioned in secret
and molded in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw all my actions;
they were all of them written in your book;
every one of my days was decreed
before one of them came into being.
Psalm 139, 14-16

“Blessed are you who believed
that what was spoken to you by the Lord
would be fulfilled.”
Luke 1, 45

Since the earliest days of Christianity, believers have held the conviction that God predestined the creation of the Blessed Virgin Mary as a vital element of His divine plan for the redemption of humanity. This sacred partnership between God and Mary was designed to facilitate the salvation of humankind, representing a profound element of faith. The early Judeo-Christians in Palestine recognized Mary’s pivotal role in salvation history’s overarching narrative. Her acceptance of the Annunciation, where the angel Gabriel revealed that she would bear the Son of God, demonstrated her unique and essential participation in the mystery of Christ’s Incarnation. As a result, the faithful expressed their devotion to Mary with a heartfelt spirit of gratitude and reverence, recognizing her as the Theotokos, or “God-bearer.”

This deep-rooted devotion parallels the reverence shown to Judith by Uzziah and God’s chosen people. Judith’s courageous act of subterfuge and resilience in the face of enemy siege saved the Israelites from the impending threat of enslavement by their Assyrian oppressors in the besieged city of Bethulia. Just as Judith’s bravery was celebrated as instrumental in delivering her people, so was Mary’s role seen as a divine intervention, integral to fulfilling God’s promise of salvation, earning her a place of honor and veneration among the faithful throughout the ages.

Elizabeth’s heartfelt praise of her kinswoman Mary resonates deeply with the ancient Israelites’ admiration for their courageous heroine, Judith, who bravely defeated the Assyrian general Holofernes. In the book of Judith, we read, “Blessed (eulogemene) are you, daughter, by the Highest God, above all women of the earth; and blessed (eulogemenos) be the Lord God, the creator of heaven and earth, who guided your blow at the head of the chief of our enemies. Your deeds of hope will never be forgotten by those who tell of the might of God” (Jdt 13:18-19; Lk 1:42). This proclamation underscores not only Judith’s valor but also the divine providence that empowered her actions during a perilous time for her people.

Throughout history, every Hebrew generation has honored Judith as blessed, joining in a collective acknowledgment of her faith and bravery, much like Christians across the ages have revered the Virgin Mary as blessed for her courageous acceptance of God’s will in the unfolding drama of salvation history (Lk 1:48). Both women, through their extraordinary acts of faith, became symbols of hope and divine favor, inspiring countless believers to recognize the significance of faith and courage in their own lives. As such, the parallel between Elizabeth’s declaration and the historical reverence for Judith highlights the continuity of faith across traditions and the timeless nature of divine blessings bestowed upon those who act with courage and fidelity to God.

Hence, St. Luke acknowledges a rich Marian tradition that naturally emerged as a significant offshoot of the Judaic heritage within the nascent Christian Ecclesia. Through the voice of Elizabeth, a pivotal figure in the narrative, Mary is exalted for her unwavering faith; she believed in the angel Gabriel’s message and graciously consented to become the mother of the divine Messiah, Jesus Christ. This act of faith, embodied in her willingness to accept a role that would change the course of history, resonates with the promise made to Abraham, the patriarch revered for his own faithfulness. As noted in Genesis 22:16-18, God assured Abraham that all nations on earth would be blessed through his lineage. In this way, Mary’s meritorious act of faith, marked by a spirit of love and obedience, extends that divine blessing, allowing all humanity to partake in the salvation brought forth by her Son.

God predestined Mary, a young woman of remarkable faith and purity, to be the mother of the Redeemer, knowing that she would freely choose to observe His will and respond with unwavering trust by consenting to conceive and nurture His only Begotten Son (Lk 1:38). It was through the faith of this humble and charitable adolescent that the divine Word took on human flesh, entering the world in an extraordinary act of mutual consent and loving communion, destined to liberate humanity from the bondage of sin and the looming threat of eternal death through His sacrificial death on the Cross. By proclaiming her Fiat—her fiat lux, or “let it be done”—Mary played a pivotal role in salvation history, crushing the head of the serpent with her heel through her obedience and strength, akin to how Judith, with her audacity and faith, decisively severed the head of Holofernes, thereby partnering with God in the grand narrative of redemption (Gen 3:15).

Indeed, God, in His infinite wisdom and omniscience, beheld every aspect of Mary’s life even before He fashioned her soul and imbued it with His divine grace. With foresight beyond human comprehension, He envisioned her unique role in salvation history, detailing every action and choice she would make, each inscribed in the eternal Book of Life. This divine narrative reached its poignant climax on Calvary, where Mary stood unwavering at the foot of the Cross, embodying the profound nature of her collaboration in the redemption of fallen humanity.

God’s decree for Mary to come into existence was deeply rooted in His desire to work through her as a cooperator in the divine plan of salvation. By His grace, He inspired and equipped her to act in harmony with His will, reflecting the truth of Philippians 2:13, which states that God works “both to will and to work” for His good pleasure. In doing so, Mary became a crucial instrument of grace, fulfilling God’s plan as expressed in 1 Timothy 2:4, which affirms, “God desires that everyone be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.” Through her acceptance and active participation, she exemplified the ultimate response to God’s invitation, paving the way for fulfilling His promise to humanity.

Since Mary’s body held no secrets from God as she was being fearfully and wonderfully woven in the depths of her mother’s womb, God appeared to Abraham, commanding him to sacrifice his only son, Isaac, upon the altar in the land of Moriah, a place steeped in prophetic significance. At that very moment, God witnessed His handmaid, Mary, offering up her own body – the fruit of her womb, Jesus – as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to Him. This act epitomizes what Paul described as “true spiritual worship” as outlined in Romans 12:1-2, reflecting a deep connection between the Old Covenant and the New.

Abraham’s act of faith, in which he prepared to sacrifice his only beloved son in obedient submission to God’s will, prefigures the ultimate sacrifice made by Christ on Calvary. However, it is vital to recognize the essential role of Mary, the Mother of God, whose maternal sacrifice and suffering accompanied Christ’s passion. Our Lord’s Cross, raised high on the same sacred mountain where Abraham built his altar, served as a poignant testament to this divine plan. Yet, in a striking contrast to the narrative of Abraham, God chose not to send an angel to deliver Mary’s only beloved Son from the altar of the holocaust, illustrating the profound depth of sorrow and love that marked Our Lady of Sorrows as she witnessed the fulfillment of the divine promise through her pain.

Unless Mary freely declared, “Be it done to me according to your word,” with a heart full of faith and charity, she would not have been able to produce the precious fruit of her womb—Jesus Christ—who would serve as a burnt sin offering for humanity, most pleasing and acceptable to God. Every moment of Mary’s life was intricately woven into the divine tapestry of God’s plan before even one of those moments existed. God, in His omniscience, foresaw the extraordinary strength and resolve she would embody simply by the act of her creation.

Just as Abraham willingly prepared to consecrate his only beloved son, Isaac, to God, offering him as a profound sacrifice rooted in unwavering faith, so too was it essential for Mary to consent to God’s will, despite the profound uncertainties ahead. Her willingness to embrace the unknown was a testament to her courage and faith. Jesus, in turn, would take the place of Isaac, embodying the ultimate sacrificial lamb offering to atone for the world’s sins. This divine exchange was made possible because Mary first chose to surrender her own maternal desires, courageously offering her son back to God for the redemption of humankind. This act of self-denial paved the way for the Incarnation, where the Word became flesh, and the promise of salvation was fulfilled through her unwavering faith.

Everything that began in salvation history with Abraham’s calling, the covenant promise made to him, and the sacrifice of his son Isaac culminated in the profound moment when the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary during the month of Nisan (March). This moment, often called the Annunciation, was not just a casual encounter but a pivotal juncture in divine history. All creation must have held its breath in anxious suspense as the fate of humanity hung in the balance.

Mary’s willingness to believe the message from Gabriel, a messenger sent by God, and her resolute obedience to His will marked a decisive point in fulfilling God’s overarching plan. By saying “yes,” she opened the door for the promise made to Abraham to be realized: that he would become the father of many nations, including the Israelites and the Gentiles. This divine promise, rooted in faith, was a personal blessing for Abraham and a universal covenant that extended to all humanity.

Abraham’s blessing from God was further validated by the divine oath established through Mary’s obedient act of faith, which was infused with charity and grace. In this moment, the threads of salvation history were woven together, linking the past, present, and future, ensuring that through Mary’s acceptance, the path to salvation would be made accessible for all people. This act of faith by Mary ignited a transformative journey that would lead to the birth of Jesus, the Messiah, who would fulfill the law and the prophets, embodying the ultimate promise of love and redemption for every nation.

Due to her pivotal and gracious consent to become the mother of the Messiah, Mary played an essential role in the divine plan of salvation. This profound decision allowed even the prophet Isaiah to foretell, with certainty, the virgin birth of Christ in Isaiah 7:14. The phrase “every one of Mary’s days was decreed by God” underscores the idea that every aspect of her life and character was preordained by Divine Providence, emphasizing that what God infallibly knows about Mary—His meticulously crafted creation—will inevitably come to pass.

Indeed, the foundation of the human story, including the creation of Adam and Eve, was intricately linked to Mary’s Fiat, her willing acceptance to bear the Savior. After the fall from grace, which brought disobedience and suffering to humanity, a redemptive purpose emerged that sought an even greater good than the paradise originally bestowed in Eden. This ultimate purpose was realized through Christ’s incarnation, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection. However, it is crucial to note that the incarnation hinged upon Mary’s acceptance. She is recognized as the promised “free woman,” a collaborator chosen by God, whose role was prophesied to oppose the serpent, symbolizing the struggle between good and evil. Thus, Mary’s participation in this divine narrative was significant and essential for fulfilling God’s salvific plan for humanity.

“Sing, O barren, You who have not borne!
Break forth into singing, and cry aloud,
You who have not labored with child!
For more are the children of the desolate
Than the children of the married woman,” says the LORD.
Enlarge the place of thy tent,
and stretch out the skins of thy tabernacles,
spare not: lengthen thy cords and strengthen thy stakes,
for thou shalt pass on to the right land, and to the left:
and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and shall inhabit
the desolate cities.
Isaiah 54, 1-3

The primary meaning of Isaiah’s prophecy is directed toward Israel. The metaphor of Mother Zion symbolizes God’s nurturing and protective role for His chosen people during the suffering experienced in Babylonian captivity. This suffering results from the nation’s apostasy and idolatry. In this context, Zion represents the faithful and covenantal relationship between God and Israel, envisioning a future restoration. The secondary fulfillment of this prophecy is profoundly embodied in Mary, the mother of our Lord and Savior, who serves as the ultimate representation of Mother Zion. As the virgin bride of YHWH, Mary is viewed as the new matriarch, through whom her children are liberated from spiritual captivity and regenerated unto God through the grace of Christ produced by his suffering and death on the cross for the sins of the world.

At the foot of the Cross, Jesus redefines Mary’s role as a mother profoundly. As she witnesses His crucifixion, filled with deep sorrow and anguish, Jesus addresses her, saying, “Woman, behold thy son” (Jn 19:26). In this moment, He designates the beloved disciple—commonly understood to be John—as her new son. At the same time, He entrusts her with the care of a larger family. He continues, “Behold thy mother,” indicating that this new kinship goes beyond biological relationships. It extends to all believers, symbolically including the Gentiles.

This pivotal moment emphasizes Mary’s unwavering faith amidst suffering and her profound role in the new covenant. Her sorrow, borne from the weight of witnessing Christ’s passion and humanity’s enslavement to sin, is transformed into boundless joy. Jesus’ instruction implies a divine mandate for Mary to embrace and nurture the entire body of believers, which the beloved disciple represents as the Church. This calling reflects the biblical imagery of expansion, where Mary must metaphorically “make room in her tent” after her “cords have been lengthened” and her “stakes strengthened” to accommodate the growing family of God’s people, uniting both Jew and Gentile in the faith. Through her acceptance of this new role, Mary becomes a pivotal figure in the community of faith, embodying the Church’s communal and maternal dimensions.

The Divine Maternity, which refers to Mary’s role as the mother of Jesus Christ, is a profound result of the Incarnation—the moment when God became man in the person of Jesus. However, this extraordinary gift bestowed upon Mary encompasses even greater blessings due to her unwavering faith and obedience to God’s will. The Divine Maternity itself, while significant, does not fully encapsulate the highest form of her blessedness (makaria/μακαρία), as articulated by her cousin Elizabeth during the Visitation.

When Jesus proclaims, “Blessed (makaria) are the pure of heart, for they shall see God” (Mt 5:8), He emphasizes that the ultimate expression of blessedness is not merely the state of being pure of heart but rather the transformative experience of seeing God. This outcome arises from such purity. In this context, individuals are not simply regarded as blessed for their purity; rather, the true blessing is the divine vision that follows.

To understand the fullness of Mary’s blessedness—beyond her esteemed role as the Mother of God—we must turn to the words of the prophet Isaiah. Isaiah speaks of a future in which a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, embodying the miraculous nature of Jesus’ birth and Mary’s profound faith in accepting this divine plan. Through Isaiah’s prophecies, we see that Mary’s acceptance and faith in God’s promise elevate her to a unique position of blessedness, illustrating the depths of her relationship with God and her significant role in the salvation narrative. Thus, Mary’s blessedness becomes a testament to her faith, obedience, and the transformative power of God’s grace in her life.

In the profound symbolism of Mother Zion, Mary is not merely celebrated for her role as the biological mother of Jesus; she is exalted for her deeper vocation as the spiritual mother of all nations. This elevation is largely attributed to her unwavering faith during trials and tribulations, particularly as she stood resolutely at the foot of the Cross, witnessing her Son’s suffering. Her courageous willingness to embrace suffering and remain steadfast in the face of darkness mirrors the journey of Abraham, who is recognized as the father of many nations—an honor conferred upon him not just for the gift of his son Isaac but for his enduring faithfulness to God’s promises. Abraham’s significance goes beyond the simple lineage derived from Isaac; it is rooted in his ability to trust God implicitly, even in challenging circumstances, such as his near-sacrifice of Isaac on Mount Moriah. This pivotal moment redefines the essence of fatherhood in the biblical narrative, transforming it into a testament of faith and obedience to divine will.

Similarly, God Incarnate redefines Mary’s motherhood at Golgotha, the very location that resonates with profound sacrifice. From the Cross, Jesus entrusts her to the beloved disciple, symbolically expanding her maternal role to include all believers. Thus, Mary’s divine motherhood is reinterpreted in light of her unyielding faith and active participation in the redemptive suffering that Jesus embodies, establishing her as the enduring mother of all who seek to follow Christ. Through these parallel narratives, we see that both are celebrated for their biological connections and exemplary faith that transcends individual circumstances to touch the lives of many.

In the Gospel of Luke 11:27-28, we encounter a poignant moment in the life of Jesus. As He was teaching and engaging with the crowd, a woman spoke up, exclaiming, “Blessed (makaria) is the womb that bore you and the breasts that nursed you!” This declaration reveals her admiration for Mary, viewing her as blessed primarily for being the mother of such an extraordinary figure—a great prophet and teacher who commanded attention and reverence. However, this woman was unaware of the profound significance of Jesus’ identity as God incarnate, which elevated Mary’s blessedness to a divine status that transcended mere biological motherhood. In response to this woman’s proclamation, Jesus gently corrects her understanding by stating, “Blessed (makaria) rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it.” Here, He shifts the focus from Mary’s physical relationship to Him to the spiritual qualities of those who listen and adhere to God’s word. The Greek term for “rather” is menoun (μὲνοῦν), which conveys a sense of “more” or “truly,” suggesting that there is a deeper, more significant form of blessedness that comes from faith and obedience to God. This moment encapsulates a critical teaching of Jesus: that true blessedness lies not merely in lineage or physical ties but in the active and faithful response to the divine message.

Our Lord implicitly conveyed to the woman in the crowd that his mother, Mary, was not merely blessed for the physical act of bearing and nurturing him; rather, her true blessing lay in her profound faith and unwavering belief in the word of God. Her willingness to accept him, born of faith, brought her greater honor than her biological connection as his mother. Jesus came into the world to redeem humanity, and this divine mission was made possible through Mary’s obedient act of faith, filled with charity and grace.  Mary, revered as a woman of exceptional faith, held the dual role of being not only Jesus’s natural mother but, far more significantly, the spiritual mother of all believers. In this context, her maternity was redefined profoundly and universally. If only the woman in the crowd had grasped the immense significance of Mary’s contribution to humanity, recognizing the extraordinary fruit that had come forth from her blessed womb. This was a woman untouched by the serpent’s deceit, whose faith ushered in the very Redeemer of mankind.

Thus, Jesus must have alluded to the profound event of the Annunciation when he spoke his words. The woman in the crowd, likely caught up in the moment, couldn’t have comprehended the extraordinary nature of Mary’s motherhood. It involved her bearing a child and the miraculous appearance of the angel Gabriel, who conveyed God’s momentous message to her. Mary’s acceptance—her salutary “yes”—to become the mother of Jesus was an act of profound faith. She was not merely welcoming a prophet or a revered rabbi; she was embracing the formidable role of the Son of God, the Messiah long foretold by the prophets, who would come into the world to save humanity from sin and the finality of death through his own suffering and crucifixion.

Mary’s true blessing lay in her courageous and unwavering faith, which empowered her to accept God’s will without hesitation. Through her obedience, she played a pivotal role in the cosmic struggle between good and evil, crushing the head of the serpent—the embodiment of sin and temptation—with her heel. This act of faith not only undid Eve’s transgression but also positioned Mary as humanity’s maternal advocate and vindicator.

However, this divine collaboration came at a tremendous cost. Mary would endure great sorrow as she watched her Son face rejection, suffering, and ultimately, death on the cross. Her journey of motherhood was one of immense personal sacrifice, as she was called to die to her own maternal desires and aspirations, all in solidarity with her Son’s mission of redemption for humanity. In embracing this path of suffering, she exemplified the depth of love and commitment required for the redemptive work that Jesus came to accomplish.

“But the Lord Christ, the fruit of the Virgin, did not pronounce the breasts of women
blessed, nor selected them to give nourishment; but when the kind and loving Father had
rained down the Word, Himself became spiritual nourishment to the good. O mystic
marvel! The universal Father is one, and one the universal Word; and the Holy Spirit is one
and the same everywhere, and one is the only virgin mother. I love to call her the Church.
This mother, when alone, had not milk, because alone she was not a woman. But she is once
virgin and mother, pure as a virgin, loving as a mother. And calling her children to her, she
nurses them with holy milk, viz., with the Word for childhood.”
St. Clement of Alexandria
Paedagogos, I:6
(A.D.202)

The early Church Father, St. Clement of Alexandria, profoundly recognized the glorious splendor of the Church as exemplified in the figure of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God. In his work, the Paedagogos (Instructor), he expresses that “it is his joy to call her by her name of the Church,” highlighting the intimate connection between Mary and the Church’s identity. He perceives Mary not merely as a historical figure but as a living embodiment of the Church’s nurturing essence. Mary’s role as the spiritual mother of all members of Christ’s body is the ideal prototype of the Church’s motherhood. The Church functions as a mother in that she nourishes all the reborn—the baptized and transformed followers of Christ—with God’s grace, which is imparted through the sacraments and the Word of God, integral components of the deposit of faith. As the Mother of the Church, our Blessed Lady assumes the pivotal role of caretaker, diligently attending to the spiritual needs of her children.

Through her maternal influence, Mary nurtures her offspring with her Son’s grace, which works to sanctify and justify them before God. This grace is rooted in her unique role in salvation history; having carried the One living Word in her womb, she brought Him into the world to fulfill His mission, described vividly in the prophecy of Isaiah: “to preach to the meek, to heal the contrite of heart, and to preach a release to the captives, and deliverance to them that are shut up” (Isa 61:1; Lk 4:18).

Moreover, the sacraments of the Church serve as physical instruments of divine grace, transmitting God’s gifts to the faithful. In contrast, the Virgin Mary is the moral channel through which her divine Son’s grace flows, primarily realized through her intercessory prayers and acceptance of God’s will, encapsulated in her Fiat—her willing assent to become the Mother of God. This underscores the profound connection between her cooperation in the Incarnation and the subsequent outpouring of grace for humanity.

In essence, all saving grace, including that which is conferred through the sacraments, finds its origin in the Son and is mediated through our Blessed Mother and the unblemished spouse of the Holy Spirit. It is through Christ that this divine grace is bestowed, emphasizing the integral roles Mary and the Church play in the spiritual nourishment of believers.

This unique prerogative has been bestowed upon her by God in profound honor of her Divine Maternity and her unwavering perseverance in faith, which serves as a cornerstone for the redemption of humanity. She, who so intimately merited to bring forth the Font of all grace—Jesus Christ—into the world, is rightly recognized as the divinely appointed chief steward of her Son’s boundless grace. The scripture reminds us, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Pet 4:10; cf. Jn 2:2-11), highlighting the responsibility bestowed upon those graced by divine gifts.

The Divine Maternity represents the pinnacle of gifts any individual may ever receive from God within the order of grace. This exceptional gift, which no other woman or person could surpass, entails extraordinary prerogatives for any servant of the Lord. As God’s humble handmaid and the beloved spouse of the Holy Spirit, Mary embodies a role that transcends mere servanthood; she is elevated to the status of Queen Mother and Advocatrix in the heavenly Kingdom of her Son, who reigns in both the Davidic lineage and the mystical body of Christ.

The Bishop of Alexandria also reflects on Mary’s unique role, stating, “This mother, when alone, had no milk because alone she was not the woman.” This profound statement underscores the belief that Mary’s capacity to provide spiritual nourishment was intrinsically linked to her divine motherhood. As the mother of our Lord and the brother of all believers (Rom 8:29), her role transcends the physical nurturing typically associated with motherhood.

In the Gospel of St. Luke, there is a moment when a woman in the crowd proclaims the blessings of Mary’s breasts for having nourished Jesus. However, Jesus responds with a gentle admonishment, indicating that the true blessedness of his mother lies not solely in her physical role as his caregiver. Rather, she is even more blessed because of her extraordinary call to provide a spiritual sustenance that surpasses the ordinary. This sustenance includes “the word for childhood,” referring to Christ’s teachings and divine nature, who is both the incarnate Word and the Son of the Virgin Mary.

Mary embodies a virgin’s purity alongside a mother’s loving care, forming a unique combination that highlights her faith. Her unwavering faith and her capacity for love enable her to fulfill a role that ordinary mothers cannot: she becomes a source of grace and spiritual nourishment for humanity, guiding believers toward a deeper relationship with her Son. In this light, Mary’s blessedness is a testament to her motherhood and active participation in God’s redemptive plan through her profound faith and love.

Our Blessed Lady exemplifies the archetype of the “unblemished bride of Christ,” a deeply significant title that honors her pristine nature and symbolizes the Church itself. This sacred institution has been sanctified through the unwavering and continual presence of the Holy Spirit, which acts as a divine custodian of faith. This presence ensures the purity of the Church’s teachings and practices, guarding them against corruption and error. In the context of the New Testament, passages such as Ephesians 5:25-27 highlight the relationship between Christ and the Church, describing how Christ loves the Church and gives Himself up for her so that she may be holy and blameless. Similarly, 1 Timothy 3:15 refers to the Church as “the pillar and foundation of the truth,” underscoring its role in upholding divine truth. Through these scriptures, we recognize that the unwavering commitment of the Holy Spirit not only nurtures the faith of believers but also maintains the integrity of the Church as the reflection of Christ’s love and grace. Thus, Our Blessed Lady is a profound representation of purity and devotion, embodying the Church’s sacred mission to reflect the divine truth in an ever-changing world.

Hence, because of her meritorious act of faith at the Annunciation, Mary was further blessed by being more of a mother in her likeness to the Church whose holy milk would be something of a nourishing spiritual substance: “the Word for childhood.” From Mary’s womb comes the Divine Word incarnate, and from the Church’s womb comes forth the written and unwritten word of God: sacred Scripture and sacred Tradition. Our Blessed Lady is no ordinary mother who has milk to give to her offspring by physical nature, for she is a mother of a spiritual kind. In and through Mary, the Church has been conceived and begotten by her participation in the hypostatic order of Christ’s incarnation and his redemptive work. Christ is conceived in the womb of the Church and brought forth into the world by the faithful preaching of the Gospel in the sacred liturgy and administration of the sacraments (Mt 28:19).

Clement describes Mary as “once a virgin and mother,” embodying a unique spiritual role that nurtures her offspring with what can be understood as spiritual milk—namely, the nourishing essence of God’s Word and His grace. This divine sustenance enables her children to grow and develop following the image of her divine Son, Jesus Christ. Just as Mary fulfills this maternal role, the Church also embodies the purity of faith, remaining a virgin in her unwavering commitment to truth and righteousness. As the Bride of Christ, the Church is profoundly responsible for nourishing humanity with the truth of God’s word and the redemptive grace offered through Jesus.

Mary is a vital link in restoring what Eve lost through her disobedience—the intimate communion with God and the grace-filled life intended for humanity. In this dynamic, Mary is not merely a historical figure but a vital mediator through whose prayerful intercession believers can receive the spiritual gifts necessary to thrive in their relationship with God. Consequently, following Mary’s example, the Church is also equipped to facilitate this communion, guiding believers towards a life of grace and holiness.

In this way, our Blessed Mother stands as a living symbol of the Church, embodying the ideal model for all her members. They are called to serve Christ diligently and to bear witness to Him through their lives. By doing so, they invite others to enter into a relationship with God, facilitated through the Church’s sacraments and teachings. Through Mary, the Church acts as a womb, nurturing the faithful as God’s adopted children, regenerated in the Holy Spirit. This regeneration is intimately connected to the merits and redemptive sacrifice of Jesus, her divine Son, highlighting the profound relationship between Mary, the Church, and the faithful.

God has ordained that Jesus should redeem the world and regenerate mankind in a profound partnership with his mother, the Virgin Mary, who also serves as our spiritual mother. Alone, Mary is not merely a “Woman” who possesses the nurturing qualities of motherhood; her universal maternal role is intricately tied to her divine Son, who is the new Adam and the Head of humanity, referred to as “our life-giving spirit” in 1 Corinthians 15:45. Still, Mary’s significance extends beyond being the mother of Christ’s mystical Body; she embodies the role of the Mother of the redeemed world, echoing the identity of the new Eve and serving as the helpmate to her Son, the new Adam. Jesus made a momentous declaration: “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to me” (Jn 12:32). In this profound statement, Jesus reveals the core of his mission to unite humanity through his sacrifice.

He fulfilled this promise by rising triumphantly from the dead after undergoing crucifixion and death, a journey laden with profound sorrow, in which his grieving mother played a pivotal role. Mary’s intimate participation in Jesus’ suffering at the Cross showcased her unwavering love and commitment, helping to restore mankind to God’s grace. Consequently, all people are drawn to Christ through the maternal patronage of the Blessed Mother, whom Jesus bestowed upon the world from the Cross. In this act, he offers her a unique position as the spiritual mother to all who enter the life of grace, forged in part by her anguish beneath the Cross (Jn 19:26-27; cf. Rev 12:2-5). Mary’s sorrow and steadfast faith provide comfort and galvanize believers, reminding them of the enduring connection between the divine and humanity in their journey toward redemption.

Our very own Judith, affectionately known as the “Great Lady,” and Queen Mother (Gebirah), extends an earnest appeal on behalf of all exiled and enslaved humanity, a condition described poignantly as “born in guilt and conceived in sin” (Psalm 51:7). By choosing to embrace her pivotal role as the mother of the Divine Messiah, who is prophesied to “preach the good news to the poor and set captives free” (Isa 61:1; Lk 4:18), Mary has transcended her earthly existence to become our spiritual mother in the order of grace. In this essential role, she aids us in our spiritual struggle against Satan and the dark forces that relentlessly assail our souls.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help serves as a vital mediator (mediatrix), imparting her Son’s graces to us—graces that equip us with spiritual armor to withstand and combat our adversaries. Recognized as a woman of profound faith, Mary found favor with God (Lk 1:30), an affirmation that His divine plan was realized through her total acceptance. This divine validation was manifested when He overshadowed her with the creative power of the Holy Spirit, enabling her to conceive the Savior. We draw strength and inspiration from her example and intercession in our ongoing spiritual battle.

The Blessed Virgin Mary, embodied in the revered figure of Mother Zion, stands as a formidable spiritual fortress and a sanctuary for sinners who are engaged in their arduous struggles against Satan and his myriad legions of fallen angels. As a compassionate and maternal figure, she offers her protection primarily to those who humbly seek her intercession, tirelessly advocating on their behalf to remain anchored in the saving grace her Son, Jesus Christ, poured out. Through her unwavering love and profound goodness, she is a guiding light, helping the faithful draw closer to a deeper communion with Christ and His teachings.

Our Blessed Mother is not only a spiritual and moral haven for those who find themselves adrift in the spiritual wilderness of this world, but she is also a nurturing presence during times of despair and confusion. In the struggles of modern life, filled with distractions and temptations that lead many away from their true purpose, Mary stands as a beacon of hope. She embodies the essence of fidelity, inviting all to turn toward her in times of need. The challenges we face include the relentless onslaught of the dark “principalities and powers” that seek to dominate our thoughts and actions, as noted in Scripture. These forces, intent on “devouring” human souls like a “prowling lion” (1 Pet 5:8-9), prey upon our vulnerabilities, striving to lead us into doubt and despair.

In this tumultuous life journey, let us unequivocally trust the merciful intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary. Through her deep maternal compassion, she understands the struggles of humanity and stands ready to intercede for us. As we face our own trials and tribulations, we must continually reach out to her, earnestly imploring her assistance. Through her powerful intercession and guidance, we can hope to stay resolute on the straight and narrow path that ultimately leads us back to the paradisiacal innocence of Eden or toward the promised land during our exodus from spiritual bondage and confusion.

This exodus is not merely a physical journey but a profound spiritual transformation made possible through the liberating grace and merits of Christ, her Son and our Lord. His redemptive sacrifice offers us salvation, breaking the chains of sin and allowing us to walk in the light of His love. Let us embrace the hope she offers, acknowledging her role as our Advocate and Protectress. In her, we find comfort and strength for our weary souls, knowing that her guidance can lead us through the darkest valleys and into the radiant light of divine grace. With faith and trust in her maternal care, we can journey forward, fortified by her presence and intercession, ever hopeful that we shall overcome the trials of this world and find our way home.

Shall not Zion say:
This man and that man is born in her,
and the Highest himself hath founded her?
Psalm 87, 5

AVE MARIA