Priests and Mary: the mother of Christ’s ministers

Priests and Mary, Mother of the Ministers of Christ

The relationship between priests and Mary is a central theme in Catholic priestly spirituality. Mary, who gave birth to Jesus, the Eternal Priest, is also the Mother of all who participate ministerially in her priesthood. Numerous holy priests testified to an intense Marian devotion as the source of their apostolic fertility.

The Magisterium on Priests’ Marian Devotion

Pope John Paul II, in his 1979 Letter to Priests, wrote: *”Each one of us must encounter Mary on his own path of priestly service.”* He himself adopted the motto *Totus Tuus*, entirely yours, as an expression of his consregation to Mary. The Council of Trent already recommended Marian devotion as an element of priestly formation.

Mary as a Model for the Priest

The priest who celebrates the Eucharist re-presents Christ’s sacrifice; Mary was a witness and participant in that same sacrifice on the Cross (*Calvaria*). Mary’s words, *”Be it done to me”* (Luke 1:38), echo those of the priest, *”This is my Body”* (Matthew 26:26), in both cases the Word becomes present through human obedience.

Marian Shrines and Priesthood

Many priests received their vocation near Marian shrines, such as Fátima, Lourdes, and Guadalupe. The tradition of ordinations at Marian shrines and priestly retreats with Mary is a constant throughout Church history.Deepen your studies: Explore *Mariology*, *Theology Mariana*, *Marian Apparitions*, and *Post-Graduate Studies in Mariology*.—

Magisterium Citation

> Sacerdos christianus, configuratus Christo Capiti et Pastori, in Maria Virgine exemplar invenit vitae consecratae et oblationis. > > *St. John Paul II, Exh. Ap. *Pastores Dabo Vobis*, n. 82 (25 March 1992)*Translation: The Christian priest, configured to Christ Head and Pastor, finds in the example of the Virgin Mary the model for consecrated life and oblation.