Feast of Mary Mother of the Church

Bishop W. Shawn McKnight will celebrate the feast of Mary, Mother of the Church, at the National Shrine of Mary, Mother of the Church with a Mass on Monday, May 20 at 6:30 pm. The Mass will be celebrated at the outdoor shrine, which is adjacent to St. Patrick Catholic Church, 176 Marian Drive in Laurie.

In 2018, Pope Francis gifted the Church with a new feast day: The Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, to be celebrated each year on the day after Pentecost.

The title “Mother of the Church” dates back to the fourth century writings of St. Ambrose of Milan, though. In 1968, Pope Paul VI gave official recognition of the title when he wrote, “The Blessed Mother of God, the New Eve, Mother of the Church, continues in heaven her maternal role with regard to Christ’s members, cooperating with the birth and growth of divine life in the souls of the redeemed.”

For 35 years, The National Shrine of Mary, Mother of the Church has welcomed faith-filled visitors from around the world seeking to celebrate and share the beauty of these truths.

With the summer season beginning Memorial Day weekend, all are invited to worship with the community of the Mothers’ Shrine on Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays 8:30 am.

Click here to read about our 2023 celebration of the Feast of Mary Mother of the Church!