May - The Month Of Mary The month of May urges us to think and to speak in a special way about the Virgin Mary. In effect, this is her month. Consequently, this time of the Liturgical Year (Easter), and this month are a call, inviting us to open our hearts in a special way to Mary. -- (John Paul II, General Audience, May 2, 1979)

The Role Of Mary In ASC Spirituality

Our Relationship With Mary

Mary most holy, woman of the new covenant and first adorer of the blood of Christ, shows us how to live in adoration and service. She will be with us as virgin mother, friend and intercessor as we follow Christ in his paschal mystery.

Constitution: Adorers of the Blood of Christ
"Our Relationship With Mary", p 4

The Role of Mary In The Mystery Of Church

When considering the role of Mary, the Second Vatican Council, presented her in the mystery of Christ, and in so doing opened up a deeper understanding of the mystery of the Church. Mary, as the Mother of Christ, is in a particular way united with the Church, "which the Lord established as his own body." (LG 52) The truth about the Church as the Body of Christ (according to the teaching of the Pauline Letters) is closely associated with the truth that the Son of God, in the words of the Creed, "through the power of the Holy Spirit became incarnate from the Virgin Mary – and was made man." The reality of the Incarnation finds expression in the mystery of the Church - the Body of Christ. And likewise one cannot think of the reality of the Incarnation without referring to Mary, the Mother of the Incarnate Word. (3; par 2)

There is then a bond which unites the Mother of God with Christ and with the Church. Firstly there is the Virgin Mother’s personal journey of faith and the part which is hers in the mystery of salvation; and then there is the question of the history of the whole People of God, of all those who take part in the same "pilgrimage of faith." (3; par 3)

The journey in faith of the Blessed Virgin Mary continues to represent a constant point of reference for the Church today, for individuals and for communities, for peoples and nations and, in a sense, for all humanity. (3; par 5)

Abbot David Charlesworth O.S.B

Reflection

1. Take time to contemplate Mary’s relationship with God (Father, Son, Spirit) and her role in the mystery of our redemption.
2. What do I learn from Mary regarding my faith journey and covenant relationship with God?