As we enter the May season of our lives, we are able to connect with the ancient Church tradition of bringing Mary into our consciousness. Among many titles, it was Pope Paul VI who elevated her status as Mother of Church. Indeed, what an appropriate title as THE woman of faith who surrounded herself at Pentecost with the frightened disciples assuring them that His Risen Presence would never abandon them. This woman of faith, often referred to in passing in gospel texts, appears before us as a valiant woman of strength.

Mary is the expression of femininity for our Church. Do we not often hear the Church referred to as ‘mother’ – another dimension and in contrast to the masculine personification of the army of Christ, the warrior. But let us not take this feminine presence as abashed or shy. “Do what he tells you!” is clearly recorded in John’s community as a lasting memory of a woman of clarity and strength. She is no wilting violet! How insightful it is spending time with the texts that recall Mary’s place in the redemptive story of humanity. What do you hear under the story that is told? What do you see when Mary’s presence makes herself known in the story? Her presence is one of curiosity at times, while in other places she is a presence around those who seek consolation even in the depths of despair and violence of an unjust death.

Tomås Halik, the Czech priest and professor of sociology, was interviewed recently in The Occasional Paper of LCWR. Growing up in a communist state where any form of religious observance was banned, he found his way to Catholicism providing meaning and purpose in his life in his early adulthood. It came at a cost – as does all discipleship. In reflecting on the pilgrim character of being a Christian he says: “I believe that our thirst for God is not a sign of God’s absence but a trace of God’s closeness – for the longing itself is a divine gift. I am also strengthened by the experience of community, by knowing that I am pilgrim among pilgrims”. Does this not capture the very essence of Mary’s presence in the early church community. Frightened, unsure with its lost dreams of what could have been, Mary remains as a faith-filled disciple knowing deeply in her heart of hearts that the Risen Presence will never abandon the dream of God in our world. Mary becomes our constant in times of turmoil, where we can rest in her presence knowing that ‘all shall be well and all manner of things shall be well”.

Pope Leo XIV has been actively involved in the Church’s efforts to pray and fast for peace. On the feast day of Mary Queenship of Peace (August 22 nd ) he urged all to call upon her intercession for those suffering due to war and violence. All people of good will have been asked to make this central to our prayer and fasting. Recently the current destabilising of our global community has brought about a significant shift in nations seeking to arm themselves again. It has been reported that Germany was the largest military spender among European NATO members last year, lifting its outlays by 24% to US $ 114Billion. Think of how that money could be spent on alleviating homelessness in Germany, in securing a higher standard of living for those whom the country has welcomed as refugees. This is the stark impact of destabilisation of world order where once held alliances provided security and long-lasting trust. In speaking at the joint session of congress at the U.S. Capitol on April 28th , King Charles III emphasised that “whatever our differences, whatever disagreements we may have, we stand united in our commitment to uphold democracy, to protect all our people from harm and to salute the courage of those who daily risk their lives in the service of our countries”; The strength required to confront the abject abuse of power and violation of international law is found in the foundational principles of justice and peace articulated in international agreements held fast over many years of experience to protect the most vulnerable in our global communities.

Mary stands firm as the undeterred woman of faith. She it was who heard “peace be with you” clearly spoken to that frightened Christian community locked in fear in the upper room of their lives. She believed. She knew in her heart that peace was the only way to heal the violations of atrocity inflicted on her Son. Peace became a way for this fledging Christian community to live together in uncertain times. Surely then we too can turn to this valiant women of faith to entrust ourselves to her, as we strive to live peace-filled lives as consecrated women and men.

Br Gerard Brady CFC,

President, Catholic Religious Australia