I admit that I have not yet read the entire “Doctrinal Note on Some Marian Titles Regarding Mary’s Cooperation in the Work of Salvation” (read here: Mater Populi Fidelis) but I am sure that it contains many helpful teachings on Mary’s intercessory power for Christians and the world at large. From heaven Our Lady prays constantly for each of us, and is aware of our needs (though she cannot read our minds) in a way similar to how our natural mothers care for our needs at different moments. That is, mothers read our lives, and often know what we need, even if we don’t express it. Of course, God knows everything about everybody, past, present and future, but according to the dogma of the Communion of the Saints, God allows us to support each other through prayer, good example, and encouragement. This is, of course, the basis of our asking saints (and even the souls in Purgatory) for help, as well as our helping each other on earth. We are a family.
The Blessed Virgin Mary helps us in a most excellent way, as the Doctrinal Note states: “Because of this singular union in motherhood and in grace, her prayer for us has a value and an efficacy that cannot be compared to any other intercession. Saint John Paul II connected the title “Mediatrix” with this role of maternal intercession, noting that Mary puts herself ‘in the middle,’ that is to say, she acts as a mediatrix not as an outsider, but in her position as mother. She knows that, as such, she can point out to her Son the needs of mankind.” The Note goes on to recommend that we use the title “Mediatrix” with some caution, so as to not take away the singular role of Jesus as source and way of grace. I would argue most Catholics observe this caution already; we realize that Mary is a cooperator and not the source of grace for us. Perhaps the title “Mother of Divine Grace” in the Litany of Loreto can be a reference here: as “Mother of God” and “Mother of Believers” she makes sure we receive the healthy graces of salvation given us through our participation in the sacramental life of the Church. In this “motherly care of believers kind of way” God’s life flows through her as “Mother of Divine Grace”.
It is fine and good to use the titles officially attributed to her intercession (personally, I do like “Mother of Believers”) along with a few of our own that we find helpful…which brings me to the very non-official title “Our Lady of Blessed Acceleration” coined in the 1980 comedy movie The Blues Brothers. In this film (which I certainly do not recommend for everyone) Jake and Elwood Blues discover a divine mission to save the South-Side Chicago orphanage “St. Helen of the Blessed Shroud” where they were raised and which now faces the danger of closure. The challenge is to regroup “the band” to play a benefit concert for the back-taxes of the orphanage (tax-exemption is exempted from the movie plot, but no matter…). Of course, this mission is a dangerous one, and it involves the breaking of many laws, natural and civil, but the brothers remain focused on their “supernatural mandate”. At one point of the film, Elwood invokes “Our Lady of Blessed Acceleration” as they race to escape the “Good Ol’ Boys”. This scene made me think how “Our Lady of Blessed Acceleration” is not just a joke, but perhaps an unintended reflection of how often we need more speed to carry out God’s plans in our lives: swifter to convert; quicker to make a vocational life-decision; and faster in caring for others, to name a few possibilities. We are not called to rush our life of service to God and others, but many times the moment really is “now or never”. May Our Lady of Blessed Acceleration continue to pray for us!
Let's Repent! 