Conclusion
Mother of Penitent Sinners
“You sinners, when you want my help, call me Mother of Mercy, yet at the same time, do not cease by your sins to make me a Mother of sorrows and anguish” (Saint Alphonsius de Liguori in the Glories of Mary).
The Blessed Mother Mary is not only the mother of the just and innocent but also of sinners, provided they are willing to repent.
How prompt does a sinner, desirous of amendment, fly to her feet? This good Mother embraces and helps him, far more so than any earthly mother.
As long, then, as a sinner is obstinate, Mary cannot love him. But if he, finding himself chained by some passion that keeps him a slave of hell, recommends himself to her with confidence and perseverance, this good Mother will extend her powerful hand to him, deliver him from his chains and lead him to a state of salvation.
Thus, when she sees a sinner in enmity with Jesus Christ, she cannot endure it, she does everything to make peace between them. Would that all sinners recourse to this sweet Mother! — Sis. Ma. Jocylene C. Aguilar
Mother of Consecrated Souls
Mary is the mother of Jesus, mother of the Church and mother of all consecrated souls.
In the journey of consecrated souls, Mother Mary plays her role. Being a mother, she wants everyone to be close to her beloved son, Jesus Christ. One of her great missions is to intercede for those who desire to serve her son. She prays for those who are ready and willing to love her son until their last breath.
Mother Mary is the perfect example to those who have answered the call to follow Christ in consecrated life. She can help them to live like Christ. Because of her motherly love and care, her consecrated children confidently entrust their vocation, above all their perseverance to live in holy poverty, chastity and obedience.
We are all brothers and sisters of Christ. And Mother Mary treats everyone with special care. A consecrated soul or an ordinary soul, is destined for heaven.
— Sis. Ma. Jennifer Lechido
Star of the Sea
“Look at the star, call upon Mary. O whatever you are, in the sea of this world, feel yourself rather tossed about between storms and tempests rather than walking on the earth, do not look away from the brightness of this star if you do not want to be submerged by the waves” (Saint Bernard, 1090-1153).
Not all of us are sailors, but each of us has to venture in the sea of life. We are voyagers aiming to reach the safe portals of heaven and behold the beauty of paradise. However, in the vastness of the sea we will always find it hard to know where we are and where to go. We cannot even notice if we are going to the right direction or have already lost our way.
In the sea of life, there are many uncertainties, waves of temptation and tribulations that shake our fragile ship. There are also lots of confusions, doubts and moments of darkness and loneliness that weaken us and discourage us to continue.
But as Saint Bernard says, “look at the star, call upon Mary.” She will surely and gently lead you safe in heaven’s portal and help you find and behold the beauty of paradise.
For this season, we need to look upon Mary, the star of the sea. Saint Bernard, Doctor of the Church, known for his prayer, “Memorare,” addressed Mary as Star of the Sea, or in latin, Stella Maris. She is known as the patroness of seafarers and many churches, schools and colleges near the sea.
— Sis. Ma. Judie Ann A. Gallardo
****
Damo-Santiago is a former regional director of the Department of Education National Capital Region. She is currently a faculty member of Mater Redemptoris Collegium in Calauan, Laguna, and of Mater Redemptoris College in San Jose City, Nueva Ecija.