In moments of sorrow and suffering in our lives, we the Christian faithful often turn to Mary for comfort and help. Last month, we commemorated the Assumption of Mary on August 15 and the Queenship of Mary on August 22. Last in the month, we will honor Mary in her nativity and as our Lady of Sorrows. Today, we commemorate Mary as Our Mother of Consolation. Today’s feast day expresses our confidence in Mary’s presence with us. She is always with us on our journey of faith. We are never alone.
Members of the Augustinian religious order, of which Pope Leo XIV is a member, have had a devotion to Our Mother of Consolation since the 17th Century. Its origin with the Augustinians is connected with the lives of St Monica and St Augustine, mother and son, who are commonly depicted together with the figures of Mary and the Child Jesus. For many years, St Monica was immersed in sorrow because of the death of her husband and the waywardness of her son. Yet, Monica was granted a vision of Mary and the Child Jesus, who offered her comfort and consolation. By seeing Mary as the Mother of Consolation, we understand Mary as the Mother of God, the benefactress of her people who responds to the many needs of our humans experience. Mary is truly our mother because as she was also a faithful disciple of her son, she learned the lessons of selfless love and generous service. As Mother of Consolation, she is particularly near to those in need of companionship and comfort.
Our psalm states today that we are to trust in the Lord and do good, to take delight in the Lord, that the salvation of the just comes from him. With Mary to help us and guide us, she will point us to her son and bring us closer to him.
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