Catholics in Florida celebrated one of the Church’s newest feast days Monday, honoring Mary.

“Today is the Feast Day of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, established by Pope Francis in 2018 to be celebrated annually on the Monday following Pentecost,” the diocese posted on Facebook Monday. 

“According to the Vatican's decree, ‘Mary is at once Mother of Christ, the Son of God, and mother of the members of his Mystical Body, which is the Church,’” the post said. “‘These considerations derive from the divine motherhood of Mary and from her intimate union in the work of the Redeemer, which culminated at the hour of the cross.’ Mary, Mother of the Church, please pray for us!”

Mary is honored many times throughout the year, the Marians said. During May, which is called the Month of Mary, Catholics mark the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima on May 13 and the Visitation on the last day of the month. Other notable feast days include: the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, Jan. 1; the Annunciation, March 25; Mary's Assumption into Heaven, Aug. 15; and the Immaculate Conception, Dec. 8. 

As a human, Mary is included among those in need of God's saving, but as the Mother of God, she has received the gift of God's grace to an extent that surpasses all others, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) said. That puts her in a unique position in Catholicism. Mary is held highly because of her willingness to cooperate with God's plan, though it put her in danger. Her commitment to follow through places her in a crucial role in salvation. Catholics view Mary as a role model of discipleship and in their prayers often ask for her intercession. 

Pentecost occurs 50 days after Jesus' resurrection and approximately 10 days after his ascension into heaven, a report by Christianity.com said. It marks the day when the Holy Spirit filled Jesus' disciples, enabling them to better preach the Gospel. Jesus' followers were gathered inside of a room, when suddenly there was a roaring sound, as if a gust of wind had rushed into the room. Tongues of fire appeared overhead as the Holy Spirit filled the disciples, and they began to speak in tongues. A crowd gathered around, with everyone hearing Jesus' followers speaking in their own native language. Peter’s preaching that day prompted 3,000 people to become Christian.