Why is the Blessed Virgin Mary called 'Mother of the Church'?
Mary was proclaimed 'Mother of the Church' (Mater Ecclesiae) by Pope Saint Paul VI at the close of the Second Vatican Council. Because she is the Mother of Jesus Christ, who is the Head of the Mystical Body, she is spiritually the Mother of all who are united to Him as members of that Body. At the foot of the Cross, Jesus gave Mary to the beloved disciple John—and in him, to all believers—with the words: 'Woman, behold your son... Behold your mother' (John 19:26-27). She continually intercedes for the pilgrim Church.
Sources
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 963-970
- John 19:26-27
Awaiting review by the chaplaincy. Written in our own words; the Church's own texts are the authority.