Mary serves as a role model for all of us in fulfilling the will of God.
In the Catholic tradition, two months are particularly dedicated to honouring Mary: May and October. May is devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary, while October is the month of the Holy Rosary. The Church reminds us of Mary’s unique role in God’s plan of salvation and encourages us to renew our devotion to her. As the Mother of the Son of God, Mary is also the mother of all God’s children, including each of us.
Many are familiar with the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, also known as the Litany of Loreto. Notably, no saint bears as many titles as Mary, for she holds a special place in the hearts of countless people. Each title reflects a different aspect of her role in salvation history—whether as the Mother of God (Theotokos), Mother of the Church, Mother of Mercy, Mary, Mediatrix of All Graces, Mary, Ever Virgin or Perpetual Virginity, or Queen of Heaven—or as the patroness of places where she has appeared, such as Our Lady of Lourdes, Our Lady of Fatima, and Our Lady of Guadalupe. Other titles, such as the Immaculate Conception, Refuge of Sinners, Star of the Sea, and Morning Star, further highlight her deep connection with the faithful. Like a radiant jewel with countless facets, Mary’s presence shines in innumerable ways.
Each of us may have a particular title by which we prefer to call upon Mary. Regardless of how we address her, she remains our loving intercessor and heavenly mother, always guiding us closer to her Son.
During my time in the Philippines, I noticed that most Marian statues depict her holding the infant Jesus. Curious about this, I researched and discovered that this imagery is largely influenced by Spanish traditions. In contrast, in my home country, Myanmar, where PIME French Missionaries (Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions) played a significant role, devotion to Our Lady of Lourdes is prevalent. Almost every Church features a grotto or shrine dedicated to her. Similarly, Portuguese influence has shaped devotion in places like Macau, China, where Our Lady of Fatima is widely venerated. Even within the Philippines, various Marian shrines hold deep significance for different individuals. Besides my Dominican devotion and commitment to promoting the Rosary of Mary, such as Our Lady of Mangoag and Our Lady of La Naval, I also have my personal devotion to Our Lady of Antipolo. Devotion is deeply personal, and each of us may feel a special connection to a particular Marian shrine or feast.
People often ask how my vocation to the priesthood began. While the journey is a mystery and a long story to tell, one thing remains certain: it all started with Mary. From the age of three, I grew up praying the family rosary, and this foundation shaped my spiritual life. It was no coincidence that I chose the Dominican Order, a community closely associated with the Rosary, nor that I entered the “Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Province” among the many Dominican provinces.
Mary touches each of us in different ways. Yet, when we reflect on her life, we see three defining moments that serve as a guide for us all.
First, at the Annunciation, her “Yes”—“Fiat: Let it be done to me according to your word” (Lk 1:38)—demonstrates her complete obedience to God’s will.
Second, at the Wedding Feast at Cana, her words, “Do whatever he tells you” (Jn 2:5), encourage us to trust and follow Christ’s way.
Third, throughout her life, Mary pondered the mysteries of God, as the Gospel tells us: “Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart” (Lk 2:19).
Mary is the perfect example of faith and obedience. Through her, we learn to surrender to God’s plan and to trust in His divine will.
Fr. Justin Saw, OP
