Our Lady, Mother of the Church pray for us!

by Fr. Don Kline, V.F.  |  05/18/2025  |  Letter from the Pastor

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

We are in the month of May, a month when Catholics traditionally pray for the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Of all the talk about what popes have had in common and what separates them, it seems that devotion to Our Lady is an essential aspect of the spirituality of many popes throughout history.

Popes have promoted Marian devotion through various means, including writing encyclicals, Apostolic Letters, proclaiming dogmas, and visiting Marian shrines throughout the world. Mary is a comfort and a guide to Her Son Jesus Christ. Let’s look at the most recent popes and their Marian devotion.

Pope Paul VI, a fervent Marian devotee, promoted devotion to Mary throughout his papacy. He declared her the Mother of the Church, emphasizing her role as the model of Christian perfection, and encouraged the faithful to unite with her in gratitude and praise.

John Paul I was reported to have had a deep Marian devotion, often referring to his predecessor’s declaration of Mary as the Mother of the Church during his short papal reign.

Pope John Paul II’s devotion to Mary began as a child when his own mother died. He then clung to Mary, his blessed mother. His father took him to Polish Marian shrines including the Shrine to Our Lady of Czestochowa which further advanced his devotion. And who can forget that Pope John Paul II was shot in St. Peter’s square on May 13, 1981, the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima. He attributed his survival to the protection of Our Lady of Fatima and subsequently visited the Fatima shrine to express gratitude. He also donated the bullet that had been extracted during the attack to the shrine, where it was incorporated into the crown of the statue of Our Lady of Fatima. Pope John Paul II also added the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary in his Apostolic Letter Rosarium Virginis Mariae in October 2002.

Pope Benedict XVI emphasized the importance of Marian devotion, viewing it as a path to deepen one's love and devotion to Jesus Christ. He saw Mary as a model of faith, obedience, and humility, and encouraged the faithful to look to her as a guide and intercessor. He also highlighted the significance of the Rosary, as a tool for meditating on the mysteries of Christ's life and the Word of God.

Pope Francis had a strong and tender devotion to the Blessed Mother. One of his favorite devotions was to Our Lady Undoer of Knots, praying for Mary’s intercession on the family, most especially families in crisis.

And finally, our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. In his very first address to the world as our pope he said, “Our Mother Mary always wants to walk with us, to be close, to help us with her intercession and her love. So, I would like to pray together with you. Let us pray together for this new mission, for the whole Church, for peace in the world and let us also ask Mary, our Mother, for this special grace.” And then he invited the whole world to pray the Hail Mary with him. It has also been reported that he emphasizes Mary as a source of consolation, hope and help for all who seek her, especially in times of illness or suffering. His coat of arms features a blue background with a white fleur-de-lis, symbolizing the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of the Immaculate Conception.

So if we have devotion to Mary, we are in good papal company! I wrote a short prayer that asks for Our Lady’s intercession during this time of transition. Perhaps you can pray it with me!

Almighty God, we pray that our Holy Father Pope Leo XIV may guide Your Church to grow in faithfulness to You. We pray together with the intercession of our Mother Mary. Please Lord, protect and guide your Church now and forever. Amen.

God Bless,

Fr. Don Kline