Today, while the world celebrates the dawn of the New Year, the Church celebrates the solemnity of Mary the Mother of God, in doing so, we recognise her role as the mother of God and we also remind ourselves that Mary is the mother of the human race- a role annunciated by her own son Jesus from the cross during his final hours of agony.
This feast is the Church acknowledging the role of Mary when she conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and gave birth to Jesus. This feast speaks of the humanity of Jesus, that he took the form of man to become one with us.
The role of Mary was expanded by Jesus when he said the words to John, “Behold your mother.” From that moment, Mary was officially appointed the mother of the human race – our Mother to whom we can turn at all times, especially during times of affliction.
When Mary responded with a yes to God’s plan, it was Mary coming into union with God; she participated in bringing salvation into the world and now she continues her mission of interceding for all of us and drawing us to Christ.
In this way, Mary shows us the way for the synod, where we are all called to come in union with God and with one another to participate in the life of the Church, and may it be our permanent mission to draw ourselves and others to Christ and His Church, fostering love and unity among each other.
I wish all of you a happy solemnity of Mary the Mother of God and a grace-filled New Year. May Mama Mary intercede for all of us.
+Bishop Alwyn Barreto