Today, as the Church celebrates the Blessed Virgin Mary, we remember her not only as the Mother of God, but as our gentle companion on the journey of faith. Pope Saint John XXIII once called her “the dawn of eternal day,” a radiant presence who scatters the shadows and restores the splendor of heaven. In her, we glimpse the promise of grace fulfilled—and the path by which we too may walk toward it.
Mary is not distant. She is near, guiding and sustaining us on the long road that stretches before us. The hymn “Hail, Star of the Sea” captures this tender truth:
Still as on we journey,
Help our weak endeavor,
Till with thee and Jesus
We rejoice forever.
This truth came alive for me during my recent pilgrimage to Lourdes. There, in the hush of the grotto where Bernadette once knelt, I saw pilgrims from every corner of the world—some in wheelchairs, some with tear-streaked faces, all drawn by the same longing: to be seen, healed, and held by Mary. The candlelight flickered even in the daylight and I felt her maternal gaze resting gently on us all. In that sacred place, her presence was not just remembered—it was felt. She was the Star of the dawn, preparing our hearts to welcome the Sun of Justice.
She is the Gate of heaven, opening our desires to things eternal. She is the Mirror of Justice, reflecting the purity and grace we long to embody. And she is our strength, especially when the road feels long and our hearts grow weary.
In honoring Mary today, we do more than admire her holiness. We ask her to teach us how to hear and observe God’s Word with fidelity and joy. We take courage in her maternal strength, trusting that we shall not be lost forever. And we pray that, living humbly and happily in obedience to our Christian calling, we may always enjoy the Lord’s friendship and her consoling presence.
O Immaculate Mary, look graciously upon your children. Lead us, as you always do, to Jesus.
Smitten With Goodness 