The Blessed Virgin, Queen of Martyrs, bears the title “Mother of God” which was formally bestowed upon her at the general council convoked by Pope Saint Celestine at Ephesus, the city of the Blessed Virgin, in 431, and held in the Cathedral dedicated to her honor. The heresy of Nestorius, who said there were two persons in Christ, divine and human, and that Mary was the mother only of the human, was condemned and the title “Mother of God” was approved. Mary’s name is not mentioned simply as the other names are, but with great dignity: she is the “glorious,” the “ever virgin.” Mary’s name is inseparable from the Sacrifice of Christ. He came first in emptying Himself. Mary comes next for she gave more than Apostles and martyrs, and thus understands the sacrifice of giving. She “stood by the cross of Jesus,” and great as the sea was then her sorrow.

Whenever a soul comes to God in Holy Mass he does so in communion with Mary. Let us bring Mary with us whenever we come to Mass. She knows that the more a soul gives itself into His hands, the more perfectly does He work for its sanctity. No one has abandoned herself to Him as Mary has. No one has placed fewer obstacles in the way of His Will than Mary. When God allows suffering and crosses to open our hearts to the height and depth and width and length of His Love for us, and we are reluctant to receive them as gifts from Him, Mary will strengthen us with a Mother’s love to accept them.