WY IS MARY CALLED" A MODEL OF THE CHURCH"

WHY IS MARY CALLED "A MODEL OF THE CHURCH"? The Church is like a mother. She brings forth Christians, children of God by Baptism. The ideal mother on whom the Church should model herself is Mary who conceived and brought forth Christ. Her virtues, especially her faith, her dedicated obedience to God, and her self-giving service provide the pattern, the ideal for the Church. Not only is Our Lady the model of what the Church ought to be during her pilgrimage here on earth, but also the model of what the Church will be in heaven. In other words, just as Our Lady is now forever united to Christ in heaven so will be Church one day be. Mary demonstrates what Christ came on earth to do. He came to redeem humankind. Our Lady co-operated perfectly with God and in her the redemotion had its full effect. She is the perfect Christian: and looking at her we see "a sign of sure hope and solace for the pilgrim people of God. Amen. Holy Virgin Mary, Mother of God, pray for us.