Feast of Patroness – Mother of Compassion
Mary stands at the foot of the cross (Jn 19:25-29) marking her accompaniment with Jesus at the end of his earthly life. She had begun this accompaniment at the beginning of his ministry at Cana (Jn 2:1-12). In this way, the gospel of John presents Mary as a perfect mother and disciple of Jesus. Standing at the foot of the cross, Mary takes part in the agony of Jesus. She becomes a co-sufferer with Jesus. Standing at the foot of the cross, Mary takes part in the mercy of Jesus. She becomes co-redemptrix with Jesus. Mary expressed her most profound love for her son Jesus, when he was hanging on the cross. There is no fear, no regret, no compromise but valour, love and forgiveness. At the foot of the cross, she lived her own words which she uttered when she received her call to divine motherhood – “let it be with me according to your word” (Lk 1:38). The love of Mary is not just a feeling for her son, but a resolve to stand by him and to do the will of God. In this way, she becomes a perfect disciple of her own son. Through the acceptance of sorrows which are permitted by God, Mary becomes the Mother of the Church and the entire humanity. We, the Fransalians, who are privileged to have our Mother as our Patroness, know that doing the will of God in spite of suffering can transform our life, and bring it closer to God. On this day, I wish you a very happy feast of the Mother of Compassion. May we grow in compassion and discipleship through the imitation of her virtues.
Festal Greetings from
Fr. A. Patrick Jayaraj, MSFS
Provincial
South-East India Province