At the General Audience, Pope Francis reflected on the Virgin Mary’s role in a Christian’s life of prayer. He explained that “Mary is our mother, the Mother of the Church, entrusted to us by Christ from the cross.”
He said that “she is close with a mother’s love to those who are lost or have no one to pray for them.” He invited the faithful to “rejoice that Mary, who said ‘yes’” to God, always intercedes for the salvation of the world.
SUMMARY OF POPE’S CATECHESIS IN ENGLISH
Dear brothers and sisters, in our continuing catechesis on prayer, we now consider the place of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the life of prayer. All Christian prayer is modeled on Jesus’ own prayer. As the incarnate Son, He not only teaches us to pray, but as the mediator between God and man He constantly intercedes for us before the Father.
Mary, as the mother of Jesus, has a special role in the life of all Christ’s disciples. Mary is our mother, the Mother of the Church, entrusted to us by Christ from the cross. With a mother’s love she cares for us, taking us under the protection of her mantle. In a particular way, as we pray in the Hail Mary, she intercedes for sinners and for those at the hour of death, drawing them ever closer to her Son.
Just as she stood beneath the cross, united with Jesus in His abandonment and sorrow, so she is close with a mother’s love to those who are lost or have no one to pray for them. Surely she has been present to so many of our brothers and sisters who at this time of pandemic have died far from the comforting presence of their loved ones.
As we prepare to celebrate the Annunciation of the Lord, may we rejoice that Mary, who said “yes” to the message of the angel, is ever ready to say “yes” to us, interceding before her Son for our needs and for the salvation of the world.
I cordially greet the English-speaking faithful. May our Lenten journey bring us to the joy of Easter with hearts purified and renewed by the grace of the Holy Spirit. Upon you and your families I invoke the joy and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ. God bless you!
