A Marian church knows she is the object of gratuitous love, and that God has the heart of a mother.

A Marian church does not know the answers before the questions are asked. Her path is not mapped out in advance. She knows doubt and worry, the night and loneliness. She takes part in the conversation but makes no claim to know everything. She accepts that she is searching.

A Marian church stands at the foot of the cross. She does not take refuge in a fortress, or in a chapel, or in cautious silence, when others are being crushed. She is vulnerable, in her deeds and her words. With humble courage she stands with the most insignificant.

Listen to or read Ryan’s entire sermon for Mary Sunday by clicking “Read More.”