On Monday, May 25, we celebrate the feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church. This feast is based on the scene from the Gospel of John, portrayed above the Altar of Repose in Mother of God Church. At the foot of the Cross are Mary, the Mother of Jesus, Mary Magdalen, and John, the Beloved Disciple. Jesus speaks from the Cross to His mother and to John, saying, “Woman, behold your Son. Son, behold your Mother.” We are told that Mary becomes the Mother of the Church in that moment, when John takes her into his home. In that exchange, Jesus entrusts His Mother to the Church, and the Church to His Mother. She becomes the Mother of the Church.
    
Although celebrated as the Mother of the Church for centuries, Pope Francis designated an annual feast day for her, on the Monday following Pentecost.
    
Join with us as we honor Mary, the Mother of the Church, calling out her love and compassion for all of us.

Pope Paul VI played a very important role in the recent history of the Church. His predecessor, Pope John XXIII had called for the Second Vatican Council. He died after the first session. The first session of the Council was in the fall of 1962. Pope John died in June of 1963. In the conclave of 1963, he was chosen to be the next pope, and was canonized on June 21, 1963, adopting the name Paul.
   
When a pope dies during a Council, it is usually cancelled, but Paul chose to continue the Council. He signed all the documents and decisions of the Council.
   
Paul led the Church throughout the tumultuous 1960s and 1970s. Known as a very hesitant man, compared to the indecision of Hamlet, this was very difficult for him. He died on Aug. 6, beginning what came to be known as The Year of Three Popes. He was followed by Pope John Paul I and then Pope John Paul II, who were both ordained that same year.
   
The Feast of St. Pope Paul VI is this Friday, May 29.