Put Out into the Deep

Images of Mary and Joseph

Shortly after arriving in the Diocese of Brooklyn just over 10 years ago, I first saw the Church of St. Joseph on Pacific Street, and I was immediately struck by the beauty of this large and magnificent Church in the heart of a renaissance taking place in Brooklyn. It was at that time when I thought that it could be so much more to everyone in the Diocese here in Brooklyn and Queens. As you know, the Holy See recently named St. Joseph’s as our Co-Cathedral.

Recently, I was especially happy when Pope Francis recognized the significant, if hidden role of Joseph, when he decreed that his name be remembered together with Mary in each of the Eucharistic prayers. Moreover, St. Joseph is a man for our own time. It was Joseph who took Mary into his home and cared for her and the child Jesus.

My hope is that the Co-Cathedral might not simply be a place for large celebrations but also a place of pilgrimage for all in our diocese and beyond. During a pilgrimage to Israel in which I participated, we visited the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth. At that time, I saw the beautiful images of the Blessed Mother, images of the national patronesses of countries, prominently displayed in that Basilica. It is only fitting that Joseph’s house in the Diocese of Brooklyn should have the images of Mary, his spouse, prominently displayed.

To that end, I have asked each of the ethnic apostolates in the Diocese to raise funds so that particular Marian images reflecting the great diversity of our Diocese are displayed in each of the roundels of the Co-Cathedral. How fitting it will be that the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph will be home to the many diverse images and devotions to the Blessed Mother. Consider that this week we celebrate two important Marian feasts, the celebration of our national and diocesan patroness, the Immaculate Conception, and Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas.

On one hand, in the midst of so much inequity here in New York and the U.S., we hold up Mary as the pure tabernacle of the Lord. Our celebration of the Immaculate Conception reminds us that Mary herself was conceived without the stain of original sin, and we ourselves strive to be pure as she is pure.

On the other hand, the apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe – a representation of the Blessed Mother as an Indian woman – offers us an insight into how each of us look into the eyes of Mary and see our own Mother. For the indigenous people of Mexico, the apparition to Juan Diego was proof that Mary was not the mother of the Conquistadores; she was their own mother. All mothers wish what is best for their children, and therefore, Mary leads us to Christ. In Mexico, as well as in so many places around the world, many come to know Christ when they gaze upon the vision of the Blessed Mother.

In reviewing the many national images of Mary, I have found them to not only be beautiful but also a wonderful teaching tool for us all. Catholic and Orthodox Christians have well-developed Marian theology, which traces its roots to the apostolic era. It was at the Council of Ephesus in 451 AD that the Church first discerned that Mary is properly understood as the Theotokus (Mother of God). Marian devotion spread throughout the Church. Evidence of just such devotion can be found in the ancient Christian tradition and popular piety’s belief that the Apostle John and Mary’s home in Ephesus is the actual place of the Assumption or Dormition of Mary.

As we move through the Third Sunday in Advent, let us carefully examine Mary and see in her example how best we might prepare to welcome the Lord. As we put out into the deep this Advent season, we strive to celebrate the reception of the Messiah in a Bethlehem stable as well as in the stable of our heart.

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