Yesterday, we celebrated the “birthday” of the Church, as Pentecost is traditionally called.
Today, in complementary fashion, we honor Mary in her title of Mother of the Church. Although this feast is a new one—created in 2018 by Pope Francis—this title is one of the Blessed Mother’s oldest titles.
The early Church Fathers—such as St. Augustine of Hippo—liked to speak of her as the Mother of the Church. It reminds us that Mary is the means by which our Salvation came into the world. She gave birth to Christ so that our souls could be born anew in His Church.
The mosaic of Mater Ecclesiae (Mother of the Church) at the Vatican
Moreover, after Jesus formed the Church, He gave her into the maternal care of His own Mother.
From the Cross, Jesus entrusted the Blessed Mother and St. John to each other’s care. The Church traditionally holds that St. John represented every soul who has ever been and ever will be baptized into the Church.
When Jesus said to Mary, “Woman, behold your son,” He gave not only St. John but also His entire Church into her maternal keeping. Since then, she has unfailingly protected us, and in return we take her into our souls and run to her as our perfect, loving Mother.
As devotion to our Blessed Mother grows, the list of her titles lengthens. Currently she has fifty-three titles expressing the honor, supplication, and thanksgiving with which we regard our dear Mother. The Litany of Loreto: How It Came to Be explains the origin of each of these beautiful titles, unfolding all you want to know about the history of this powerful Litany. Understanding the Marian titles will enrich your knowledge and love of the Blessed Mother. Get your copy today at The Catholic Company!
