Embracing Mary as our Mother
Having just arrived in this parish a month ago, many people have asked me, “Who are you?” To which I reply, “My name is Brother Miggo.”
A typical response goes like this: “Amigo, like the word ‘friend’ in Spanish?” And I say, “Yes, it is ‘amigo’ without the letter ‘a.’” Then the person would say, “I see! Nice to meet you, Brother Friend!” You can tell that I have gotten this response quite often.
This simple exchange has led me to reflect on our relationship with our Blessed Mother Mary. While thinking of ourselves as her friends is great, we are called to a deeper relationship as Christians—we are invited to see ourselves as her children. We are not just friends with her; we embrace her as our spiritual mother.
Many of us have experienced the tender love of our mothers—their selflessness, sacrifices, and deep concern for our well-being. Please think of how a mother never gives up on her children, always ready to forgive and welcome them back with open arms. In a similar but even more perfect way, Mary loves us. Her love is pure, unconditional, and unwavering. She watches over us with a mother’s heart, always ready to comfort us in our sorrows, guide us in our decisions, and intercede for us when we are in need. Just as our earthly mothers want what is best for us, so does Mary, who desires nothing more than to see us grow closer to her Son and fulfill our purpose in God’s plan. Her comforting presence and guiding hand are always there for us, giving us the support and direction we need daily.
As our mother, Mary has a unique and profound role in our spiritual lives. Just as she nurtured and cared for Jesus, she longs to nurture and care for us, her spiritual children. By entrusting ourselves to her maternal care and protection, we say, “Mother Mary, I am yours. Protect, lead, and guide me towards your Son, Jesus Christ.” To be a child of Mary means to open our hearts to her love and guidance, trusting in her motherly intercession. It is an invitation to enter into a familial relationship where we are cared for, loved unconditionally, and guided toward her Son, Jesus. Mary’s nurturing love is a constant in our lives, always there to comfort us in our times of need and guide us toward holiness. She wants to form us like she formed Jesus, helping us grow in virtue, faith, and love. Being close to Mary also means imitating her virtues, especially her humility, obedience, and surrender to God’s will. Mary’s “yes” to God’s plan is the perfect model of discipleship, and as her children, we are called to say our own “yes” in the daily moments of our lives.
On this day, the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows, we remember Mary’s deep suffering as she stood by the cross of her Son, witnessing His passion and death. As her children, this memorial invites us to enter into Mary’s sorrow and reflect on the profound love she has for us—a love so strong that she endured unimaginable pain with Jesus. Just as a mother carries the burdens and sorrows of her children, so does Mary carry ours, offering her comfort and compassion in our times of trial. When we know her as our mother, we unite ourselves to her joys and sorrows, knowing that through her, we are drawn more closely to Jesus, especially in moments of suffering.
So, just as I am asked by parishioners, “Who are you?” let us remember that our identity as Christians lies in being children of Mary. When we face difficulties or challenges, let us confidently say, “I am a child of Mary,” relishing our relationship with her and knowing that we are always loved, guided, and protected under her motherly care. Let us take this week to grow in our relationship with our Mother, knowing that as we draw nearer to her, she will bring us closer to her Son.
-Br. Miggo Roque, OMV
