Mary, Mother of All Peoples
Two Special Podcasts

At the dawn of the new millennium two decades ago, Pope John Paul II entrusted all people and all nations into the care of our Blessed Mother. In a prayer composed for the Jubilee of Families (see below), the pope calls Mary the Mother of all peoples, the Mother of all men and women everywhere. This prayer reminds us that Mary knows all of our hopes, all of our struggles, and all of our sufferings. It reminds us that Mary listens to us with a mother’s heart and embraces us with a mother’s love. During good times and hard times, it reminds us that Mary is mother to all.

Like every good mother, Mary takes each of her children, one by one, by the hand. She walks with us, step by step. She prays with us, prayer by prayer. She advocates for us. She intercedes for us. She celebrates with us. She suffers with us. She weeps with us. She shows us the way to Jesus. And she prays our way into heaven. During this dark and difficult time, as our world suffers through a pandemic, let us raise our hearts and voices in prayer to Mary, Mother of All Peoples; and let us cry out with Pope Francis: “Mother of the Living Gospel, wellspring of happiness for God’s little ones, pray for us!”

Call to Prayer
Mother of All Peoples
By Saint John Paul II

Mother of all men and women,
Mother of all peoples,
you know all of our sufferings
and all of our hopes.
You have a mother’s knowledge
of the struggle between good and evil,
between light and darkness,
which afflict our modern world.
Accept the cries
that we address directly
to your mother’s heart.
Embrace with a mother’s love
this world of ours,
which we entrust and consecrate to you;
for we are full of worry
for the earthly and eternal destiny
of all peoples.
Glory to the Father, to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and will be forever.
Amen! Amen!

Call to Prayer
Mary, Mother of the Living Gospel
By Pope Francis

Mary, Virgin and Mother,
you were moved by the Holy Spirit
to welcome the Word of Life
in the depth of your humble faith.
As you gave yourself completely
to the Eternal One,
help us to say our own ‘yes’
to the urgent call,
now more than ever,
to proclaim the Good News of Jesus…
Mother of the Living Gospel,
wellspring of happiness
for God’s little ones, pray for us!
Amen! Amen!

We hope that these two special podcasts (see below) will bring you closer to Christ, to the Church, and to Mary, Mother of All Peoples! As you listen and pray, we invite you to ponder and remember always:

Mary is the Mother of Jesus. She is the Mother of the Church. She is patron and protector of places and causes and cultures on every continent and in almost every country all around the world. Mary is the Mother of All Peoples. She is advocate for all peoples and intercessor for all peoples. She loves all people everywhere: in every parish, every city and town, and every country and continent. Mary’s love for us transcends all borders, all customs, all traditions, and all ways of life. Her love for us cuts across all races, genders, and generations. Her love reminds us to love others and to build bridges of love and mercy, not walls of animosity and indifference.

As Mother of All Peoples, Mary’s prayers have the power to neutralize every distinction, every difference, and every division in our divided country, our wounded church, and our suffering world. If only we could open wide our doors to those she loves and cherishes. If only we could open our hearts to her work in this world. If only! If only! If only! With the words of our Holy Father, Pope Francis, we pray: “May the Mother of God accompany us in fighting against the forces of evil. Let us entrust ourselves to her and pray for the Church and for peace in the world!” Mother of All Peoples, pray for us, now and always!

About the Author & Presenter

Cliff Garvey is a co-founder of the Assisi Project. He is a graduate of the University of Southern Maine, Saint John Seminary College, and the Catholic University of America. Cliff is a spiritual director, retreat leader, writer, and university lecturer. He also serves as Associate Minister of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport in Massachusetts where his ministry focuses on adult faith formation.

Thank you for listening to the Assisi Project Podcasts: Mary, Mother of All Peoples (Parts 1 & 2). These audio recordings are produced by the Assisi Project, Inc. For more information about the Assisi Project and our ongoing programs and ministries for adults of all ages and backgrounds, please contact Cliff at cgarvey@assisiproject.com. Copyright 2020. All Rights Reserved. May the Lord give you peace!

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About Us

Founded in 2007, the Assisi Project is a Fellowship of Franciscans in Spirit with members, friends, and followers in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Africa. We are dedicated to helping Christian believers of all ages to more faithfully live the Gospel of Christ in the spirit of Saints Francis and Clare. The Assisi Project is a non-profit, tax exempt charitable  organization. All are welcome to support our ministry via PayPal or smile.amazon.com; or by sending a donation to the Assisi Project, Post Office Box 3158, Gloucester, Massachusetts 01931-3158. For more information about the Assisi Project and our upcoming opportunities for formation, prayer, and pilgrimage, please contact Cliff Garvey at cgarvey@assisiproject.com. May the Lord give you peace!

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