Holy Mary, Mother of the Church

Celebration on the Monday after Pentecost

Introduction

The Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, is celebrated on the Monday after Pentecost in countries around the world. It was first introduced into the Roman Catholic calendar in 1970 by Pope Paul VI.

Origin of the Feast

The celebration of Mary as Mother of the Church has its roots in early Christian teaching and devotion. The Fathers of the Church saw Mary as a figure who played a vital role in the foundation and growth of the Church. She was present at the birth of the Church at Pentecost, and she continues to intercede for the Church and its members.

Significance of the Feast

The Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, serves as a reminder of the important role that Mary played in the history of salvation. She is the Mother of Jesus Christ, who is the head of the Church. As such, she is also the Mother of the Church, which is the Body of Christ.

The celebration of this feast also emphasizes the importance of Mary in the life of the Church today. She is a model of faith and obedience, and she is always ready to intercede for us before God.

Celebrations Around the World

The Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, is celebrated in a variety of ways around the world. In many countries, it is a day of special prayers and devotions to Mary. In some places, there are also processions and other public celebrations.

Devotions to Mary

There are many different ways to honor Mary as Mother of the Church. Some popular devotions include:

• The Rosary
• The Angelus
• The Magnificat

These devotions can help us to grow closer to Mary and to better understand the importance of her role in the Church.

Conclusion

The Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, is a special day to celebrate the important role that Mary plays in the life of the Church. She is our Mother, and she is always ready to intercede for us before God. Let us honor her on this feast day and throughout the year.