Focolare Movement

Mary and the Church

Aug 24, 2018

Mary played a particular role in accompanying Jesus throughout his entire journey, from her “yes” at the Annunciation, to the “yes” at the foot of the Cross. In this way she became the Mother of the entire Church.

Mosaic by Paolo Scirpa (International Centre of the Focolare Movement, Rocca di Papa, Italy)

The Virgin Mary, […] is recognised and honoured as the true mother of God and the Redeemer. Redeemed in such a sublime way in view of the merits of her Son to whom she was united by a strict and indissoluble bond, she is honoured with the highest role and dignity as mother of the Son of God, and thus, favourite daughter of the Father and temple of the Holy Spirit. Due to this gift of eminent grace she surpasses by far all the other celestial and earthly creatures.” (Lumen Gentium, 53)She shines among the humble and poor of the Lord, who faithfully await and receive salvation from him.” (Lumen Gentium, 54)The blessed Virgin pursued her journey of faith and faithfully preserved her union with the Son up to the cross, where by a divine plan she suffered deeply with her only Son and with maternal love, associated herself with his sacrifice…” (Lumen Gentium, 58) “The love and veneration of the Mother of God is the soul of orthodox piety, its heart which warms and vivifies the whole body. Orthodox Christianity is life in Christ and in communion with his purest Mother […] love for Christ cannot be disjointed from love for the Mother of God […] Whoever does not venerate Mary does not even know Christ, and faith in Christ which does not include veneration for the Mother of God, is another faith, another Christianity from that of the Church.” (S. Bulgakov: Orthodox, p. 356) “In Mary, the ’yes’ of the entire humanity is present, and this unconditional ’yes’ is a cup which is offered, gathered and transmitted. So she who lived the hour of God, pronounced several times her ’yes’ of acceptance, and carried the Word in her being, is now Mother of mercy, Health of the sick and Refuge of sinners, Queen of the apostles and of peace, Mother of all of us and living image of the Church.” (Klaus Hemmerle, Chosen for mankind, p. 156)

___

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to Newsletter

Thought of the day

Related post

On the road with Emmaus

On the road with Emmaus

From her election in 2008 to the end of her second term in 2021, here are some images of the moments that marked the 12 years in which Maria Voce Emmaus was President of the Focolare Movement: events, milestones in the journey of dialogue, meetings with religious and civil leaders, and with various Focolare communities around the world.

Maria Voce has returned to the house of the Father

Maria Voce has returned to the house of the Father

The first President of the Focolare Movement, after the foundress Chiara Lubich, Maria Voce passed away yesterday, 20th of June 2025, at home. Margaret Karram and Jesús Morán share some memories. The funeral will be held on the 23rd of June at 3:00pm at the International Centre of the Focolare Movement in Rocca di Papa (Rome).

Thank you Emmaus!

Thank you Emmaus!

Letter from Margaret Karram, President of the Focolare Movement, on the occasion of the departure of Maria Voce – Emmaus.