Annunciation Catholic Church issued the following announcement on Sept. 13

- In the month of September, we ponder one of the greatest mysteries of love: the Pierced Heart of Our Lady at the foot of the Cross, and the Beloved Disciple embracing the gift of her maternity. It is the month of the Exaltation of the Cross and the Sorrowful Mother…the unity of the Two Hearts of Jesus and Mary, and the Beloved Disciple, witness and participant of these two loves.

In the Gospel of St. John, we read about this moment: “Standing by the foot of the Cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother: ‘Woman, behold your son.’ Then he said to his disciple, ‘Behold your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his home” (Jn 19:25).

Mary’s presence at the foot of the Cross is not a passive participation, but rather, it is where the faith of the disciple and Mary’s faith is put to the greatest test. Our Lady offered her Heart in total and complete unity, surrender, and participation in Her Son’s salvific plan. In this moment, Her maternity expanded beyond her dying Son to the reality of a spiritual maternity far and beyond, to all humanity.

St. John the Beloved Disciple represents each one of us, those who are willing to be faithful to the will of God, no matter the situations or circumstances of life. May we be faithful disciples at the foot of the Cross with Our Lady!

Original source can be found here.