Last month, as we celebrated Good Friday, we heard the Gospel account of Jesus’ Passion. From the cross, Jesus looked upon His mother, Mary, and St. John the Apostle, and said to Mary, “Behold your son,” and to John, “Behold your mother.” In this moment, the Church has long understood that Jesus entrusted all of us to the care and protection of the Blessed Virgin. 

When many people think of St. Francis and the Franciscan Order, devotion to Mary is not always the first thing that comes to mind. More often, we associate Francis with poverty, care for the poor, and a love of creation. Yet Francis held a deep love for the Blessed Mother. He saw in her the perfect disciple of Christ and sought to imitate her humility. Her example and maternal care shaped his spirituality in profound ways. 

For most of us, trust in a mother’s love and protection is something natural. The Church teaches that in entrusting John to Mary, Jesus made her the mother of all believers. In her, we find a mother whose love is constant and whose care is perfect, even when our human experience of motherhood may be limited or imperfect. 

Francis entrusted the entire Franciscan Order to Mary’s care. He recognized that she, being closest to her Son, is a powerful intercessor and a model of faithful trust. As we celebrate Mother’s Day, we are invited to remember not only our earthly mothers, but also our Heavenly Mother, who continues to guide and protect us. 

This week, let us place ourselves under the care of the Blessed Virgin Mary. May we trust in her maternal intercession and follow her example of humility and faith as we grow closer to her Son.