Pope on Feast of Mary, Mother of God: The dignity and gifts of women

Vatican Media

Source: Vatican News

Pope Francis presided over Holy Mass in St Peter's Basilica this morning, the first day of 2020, celebrating the Feast of Mary, Mother of God, and marking the 53rd World Day of Peace.

In his homily the Holy Father said: "On the first day of the year, we celebrate a nuptial union between God and humanity," one that was inaugurated "in the womb of a woman"... "The rebirth of humanity began from a woman.... Women are sources of life."

That is why "every form of violence inflicted upon a woman is a blasphemy against God, who was born of a woman... How often are women's bodies sacrificed on the profane altars of advertising, profiteering, and pornography, exploited like a canvas to be used." "Women's bodies must be freed from consumerism," he said. "They must be respected and honoured."

Pope Francis noted how the Gospel repeats the image of Mary "keeping all things in her heart.".. "Women typically take life to heart," said the Pope. "Women show us that the meaning of life is not found in making things but in taking things to heart. Only those who see with the heart see things properly, because they know how to 'look into' each person."

Pope Francis challenged us to ask if we know "how to see with the heart." Only if we take life to heart, he said, "will we know how to take care and overcome the indifference all around... If we want a better world, a world that will be a peaceful home and not a war field, may we take to heart the dignity of each woman."

The Church celebrates January 1st as the 53rd World Day of Peace, a tradition begun by Pope St Paul VI in 1968.

"Women are givers and mediators of peace," said Pope Francis in his homily, adding that they should be "fully included in decision-making processes." When women can share their gifts, said the Pope, "the world finds itself more united, more peaceful. Hence, every step forward for women is a step forward for humanity as a whole."

It was Mary, said Pope Francis, who began "the revolution of tenderness" - something the Church is called to continue: "For she too, like Mary, is both woman and mother." In drawing close to Mary, "the Church discovers herself, she finds her centre and her unity," said the Pope, "Because the Church has a mother's heart."

Pope Francis concluded asking Mary "to give birth to hope within us and bring us unity. Woman of salvation, to you we entrust this year", said the Pope. "Keep it in your heart."

Mary was declared Mother of God at the Council of Ephesus in 431, and Pope St Paul VI restored this solemnity to January 1st in 1974.