August 5 2024 - Dedication of St. Mary Major Basilica - Holy Mother Church

 In the Gospel for this memorial of the dedication of St. Mary Basilica in Rome, a woman from the crowd cries out to Jesus saying "Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed."

This line can be interpreted in a number of ways. The literal interpretation of this verse refers to Mary, the mother of Jesus. It acknowledges her unique role in carrying and nurturing the Son of God. This blessing recognizes Mary's physical motherhood and her importance in the incarnation of Christ.

Christians, who are made brothers and sisters of Christ through baptism, have also received Mary as our Spiritual Mother. Our faith, in a sense, is born from her.

The verse can also be interpreted allegorically to refer to the Church. 

The Church is our Mother. Sancta Mater Ecclesia, Holy Mother Church. Christians are born from the womb of the Church, and she nurtures the faithful spiritually, just as Mary nurtured Jesus physically.

St. Cyprian of Carthage in the third century famously wrote, "No one can have God as Father who does not have the Church as Mother. Christians relationship with God is intrinsically linked to the Church—for it is by her Sacraments that we are reborn, strengthened, fed, healed, reconciled, and it is through her teaching that we are enlightened in how to remain in right relationship with God and come to the heavenly end for which God made us. At the breasts of Mother Church we receive spiritual nourishment, on her lap, we learn the lessons needed for eternal life. 

In another way, the Church is Mother. Just as Mary bore Christ in her womb, the Church "bears" Christ to the world through its teachings, sacraments, and the lives of the faithful. Mary is the theotokos—the God bearer—she bore Jesus to the world. So too each of us, as members of the Church are to bear Christ in our words and works and in bearing the life of the Trinity in our souls.

As we honor the dedication of the basilica of St. Mary Major, we consider how as sons and daughters of Mother Church and Mother Mary, we, like her are to hear the word of God and obey it, that we, like her, may bear Christ to the world, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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For the Church, our Holy Mother: That she may continue to nurture and guide the faithful through her teachings and sacraments, bearing Christ to the world in word and deed. Let us pray to the Lord.

For those who feel distant from the Church: That they may experience anew the maternal love of Mary and the Church, finding their way back to the family of faith. Let us pray to the Lord.

For vocations to the priesthood and religious life: That many may respond generously to God's call to serve as instruments of His love and mercy within Mother Church. Let us pray to the Lord.

That all government leaders may be awakened to the supreme dignity of every human life, and that all people of our nation may work together for an end to the culture of death. 

That members of the Church may be attentive to the needs of those who suffer, and that sick and the poor may be open to the merciful grace of God.

For the deceased members of our families and parishes, for all of the poor souls in purgatory, and for N., for whom this Mass is offered.

We pray, O Lord our God, that the Virgin Mary, who merited to bear God and man in her chaste womb, may commend the prayers of your faithful in your sight. Through Christ our Lord.