Dublin Retreat 8/16 - The Blessed Mother: Heart of the Church and Our Spiritual Mother

In his eighth talk at the Dublin retreat, Archbishop Fulton Sheen reflects on the profound role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the life of the Church and in the hearts of the faithful. He shares a moving memory of a hymn sung to the Blessed Mother, illustrating the deep love and reverence monks had for her. Sheen explores the theme of responsibility and accountability, highlighting how the cross of Christ represents the end of passing blame and the acceptance of divine love and sacrifice. He delves into the relationship between Jesus and Mary, emphasizing Mary's journey of compassion parallel to Christ's passion. Sheen interprets key biblical moments, including the Annunciation, the finding in the Temple, and the marriage at Cana, to illustrate Mary's deepening understanding of her son's mission and her role in salvation history. He describes the crucifixion as a nuptial between the New Adam (Christ) and the New Eve (Mary), symbolizing the birth of the Church. Sheen's portrayal of Mary as the Mother of the Church emphasizes her central role in Christian spirituality, inviting priests to embrace her as their spiritual mother. He concludes by underscoring the importance of the Blessed Mother in the Church and the individual spiritual life, highlighting her as a figure of liberation and divine motherhood.