In Catholic spirituality, few figures hold a place as significant and luminous as the Blessed Virgin Mary. Honored as the Mother of God and esteemed as the greatest of all saints, Mary occupies a singular and essential role in the heart of the Church. Yet, beyond her universal role, Mary desires a personal relationship with each of us—a relationship that nurtures, guides, and brings us closer to her Son, Jesus Christ. Have you accepted Mary as your personal Mother and Intercessor?
Mary as Our Mother
Scriptural Foundations
The maternal role of Mary is not merely a theological construct but is rooted deeply in Scripture. At the Annunciation, Mary’s fiat—”Let it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38)—opens the door for the Incarnation. She becomes the Mother of God, Theotokos, bearing Jesus Christ in her womb. But her motherhood extends beyond this singular event.
At the foot of the Cross, Jesus entrusts Mary to the beloved disciple: “Woman, behold your son… Behold your mother” (John 19:26-27). The Church has long interpreted this moment as the establishment of Mary’s spiritual motherhood over all believers. In giving Mary to John, Jesus gives her to each of us.
Mother of the Church
Pope Paul VI, at the close of the Third Session of the Second Vatican Council, proclaimed Mary as the “Mother of the Church.” This title encapsulates her ongoing role in the life of the Christian community. As a mother nurtures, instructs, and comforts her children, so Mary performs these maternal duties for us, guiding us toward a deeper relationship with Christ.
Mary as Intercessor
The Power of Intercession
Intercession is a profound expression of love, a way of participating in God’s care for others by lifting them up in prayer. The Bible is replete with examples of intercessory prayer, from Abraham pleading for Sodom (Genesis 18:23-33) to Jesus praying for His disciples (John 17).
Mary’s Intercessory Role
At the Wedding at Cana, it is Mary’s intercession that prompts Jesus’ first miracle (John 2:1-12). She notices the need and brings it to Jesus’ attention, exemplifying her role as a compassionate intercessor. The Catechism of the Catholic Church affirms this: “By her manifold intercession continues to bring us the gifts of eternal salvation” (CCC 969).
In Heaven, Mary’s intercession is even more powerful. As the Queen Mother, a role honored in the Davidic kingdom (1 Kings 2:19), she intercedes on our behalf before the throne of her Son.
The Importance of Accepting Mary
Spiritual Benefits
Embracing Mary as our Mother and Intercessor enriches our spiritual lives. She models perfect obedience, profound humility, and unwavering faith—virtues we are called to emulate. Through her maternal care, she helps us overcome sin, grow in virtue, and draw closer to God.
Witness of the Saints
Countless saints have borne witness to the transformative power of a deep devotion to Mary. St. Louis de Montfort wrote extensively on the significance of consecration to Mary, stating, “To Jesus through Mary.” St. Maximilian Kolbe called her the “Immaculata,” dedicating his life to spreading devotion to her.
How to Accept Mary into Your Life
Marian Devotions
Engaging in Marian devotions is a tangible way to foster a relationship with Mary. The Rosary, often called “the compendium of the entire Gospel,” allows us to meditate on the mysteries of Christ’s life through Mary’s eyes. The Angelus, prayed three times daily, commemorates the Incarnation and invites us to echo Mary’s “yes” in our own lives.
Consecration to Mary
Consecrating oneself to Mary is a profound act of devotion. This spiritual practice involves dedicating oneself entirely to Mary, trusting that she will lead us more perfectly to Jesus. Resources like St. Louis de Montfort’s “True Devotion to Mary” provide guidance on this journey.
Celebrating Marian Feasts
Participating in the liturgical celebrations of Mary’s feasts—such as the Immaculate Conception, the Assumption, and Our Lady of Guadalupe—helps us to honor her and reflect on the mysteries of God’s work in her life.
Conclusion
Accepting Mary as your personal Mother and Intercessor is not about diminishing your relationship with Jesus but enhancing it. Mary’s sole desire is to bring souls to her Son. By welcoming her into your heart, you open yourself to the fullness of grace that God offers through her.
In the words of St. Bernard of Clairvaux: “Let us not imagine that we obscure the glory of the Son by the great praise we lavish on the Mother; for the more she is honored, the greater is the glory of her Son.”
So, have you accepted Mary as your personal Mother and Intercessor? If not, she waits with open arms, ready to lead you ever closer to the heart of Christ. Embrace her, and discover the profound depths of maternal love and heavenly intercession she longs to share with you.
May the Blessed Virgin Mary guide you on your journey of faith, bringing you ever closer to her Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.