Mary, Mother of the Orphans
Maria Mater Orphanorum
Our Heavenly Mother
The Somascan Congregation fosters in her religious a deep filial love for Mary, the Virgin Mother of God. We venerate her as the Mother of grace, source of mercy, our hope and support of the orphans, joy of the afflicted, and liberation of the oppressed.
Mary in the Life of the Somascans
In Mary, the Somascans recognize a tender and powerful intercessor. By imitating her humility, faith, and obedience, and by invoking her maternal protection, our faith and hope in the Lord increase, while our hearts are filled with tenderness and love for the poor and the needy.
Our Devotion to Mary
In order to promote devotion to the Mother of God among both religious and the faithful, each Somascan community celebrates with special solemnity the liturgical feasts of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
We strive to illuminate her inexpressible mission in the light of Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition, fostering Marian devotion in accordance with commendable local customs.
Daily Marian Practices
- Daily recitation of the Holy Rosary
- Marian prayers and hymns
- Celebration of Marian feasts with solemnity
- Entrusting the orphans and poor to her maternal care
- Imitation of her virtues in religious life
Mary in Sacred Scripture
“Behold, your mother.” (John 19:27)
In these words of Christ from the Cross, the Church recognizes Mary as the
spiritual Mother of all, especially the little ones and the abandoned.
Mary, Our Hope and Consolation
Under the title Mary, Mother of the Orphans, the Somascans confidently entrust their mission, their communities, and especially the abandoned youth to her maternal protection.