Throughout herstory Mary has had many titles; Madonna, Queen of Heaven, Mother of GOD, Blessed Virgin, Saint. Mary has been presented as the perfect, pure woman, immaculately conceived, sexually innocent; without sin, obedient, assumed into heaven, and idealized in mythic proportions. Mary has been presented as somehow removed from physicality; beyond the messiness of life.

Yet throughout herstory Mary somehow has managed to remain accessible as a woman of God, Sister, Mother and Disciple to all who turn to her for comfort and understanding in difficult times. Mary was an integral part of the incarnation. We honor Mary our sister for her generosity, intelligence, and love, for her bodily hospitality, her singular focus, for giving birth, for nurturing the infant Jesus, for having the internal resources to raise a child into adulthood, and for struggling with the persecution, and death of a beloved son.

And Mary said:

My soul proclaims your greatness, my GOD, And my spirit rejoices in you, my Savior, …

Most Holy be your Name… You have showed strength with your arm.

You have scattered the proud in their heart’s fantasy. You have put down the mighty from their seats.

And lifted up the powerless… You have filled the hungry with good things.

And have sent the rich away empty. You, my GOD, remembering your mercy,

have helped your people…. As you promised. (Adapted from Luke 1:46-56)