Gifts from the Sisters of Mercy Enrich our Campus & Faith

Mary Reflection

By Mary Kate Becker

Director of Ministry & Catholic Identity

“And Mary treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Luke 2:19

Several months ago, I walked “across the pond” to take a look at the statue of Mary located on our grounds. The day was overcast, and the sky looked ominous as the wind rustled through the trees. I wondered if it was going to storm and if I should rush back to our Mercy school building instead. As I walked, I began to reflect on the legacy of the Sisters of Mercy and how we stand on the shoulders of thousands of these holy women, including Catherine McAuley. Here at Mercy High School, we continue to benefit from the fruits of the Sisters’ labor and the charism of mercy. In a world that so desperately needs peace and generosity, what a beautiful thing that the Sisters continue to give and sacrifice for young women like our students who walk our halls each day. 

As I approached this gifted statue of Mary, I noticed its weathered surface, painted black to cover the worn bronze material underneath. All of this, along with the weather that day made the statue of Mary look very mysterious and perhaps even looming. I felt fearful. How often in my own faith life have I felt fear of the unknown - fear of the mysteries of life?

Looking up at Mary’s face, I was struck by her expression. The sculptor, Joseph N. DeLauro made some fascinating creative and artistic choices. Mary’s eyes are closed and with a unique facial expression. She isn’t smiling nor is she frowning. She looks deep in thought. Almost as if she is pondering the weight of the world - all of human history’s famine, war, violence, and pain. Quite frankly she looks like she is holding back tears. 

Her hands are spread out almost in a solemn blessing over the world. There is even a sadness to her posture. It reminds me of one of my favorite verses in the Gospel of Luke. It’s just one simple sentence, “And Mary treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19) It’s such a small phrase in a powerful Gospel account. This verse comes after the birth narrative and after the shepherds traveled to meet the Christ child. I can only imagine how Mary must have felt in those early moments the night Jesus was born. 

Did she know what was to come for her precious child, Jesus? Mary, the mother of Jesus, pondered the mystery of her Son and the suffering he would one day endure, in her heart. I would argue she must have intuitively understood but couldn’t have known all the details. How could anyone imagine the horrors that she went through?  

Mary understands what it’s like to watch her child suffer. She has pondered it all. She continues to ponder and intercede for us when we too experience our own passion and crucifixion. She holds all human suffering in her heart. 

I again had the opportunity to walk and visit our statue of Mary. Since I last saw her, many people have carefully restored the bronze. The statue has transformed. Our president, Dr. Cheryl Kreger, sent me a picture captioning it, “Our Lady of Peace.” I wholeheartedly agree with her interpretation. There is a newness to the quality of the statue. Again, a mystery. How could this be the same statue? Mary who bore all the darkness of the world can also hold light, rebirth, and hope that we so desperately need. The restored bronze seems to glow, encouraging me to ponder the mysteries of life. 

It encourages me to really sit with the mystery of life. There are indeed dark and deeply painful Good Fridays. And, there are also Easter Sundays. In other words, Christ modeled for us the cycle of our life. Yes, we will experience pain, suffering, humiliation, and death. But, we will also bask in the light. We will experience friendship, compassion, liberation, and even joy.

In my work at Mercy High School I have the joy to walk and accompany young women in their faith journey. I see the face of our Blessed Mother Mary reflected in the faces of our Mercy students. Like the Sisters of Mercy, our students lead their lives compelled by mercy.

We pray that Mary, the Queen of all Saints and our school’s patroness, continues to watch over and protect us in times of doubt, despair, and loneliness. My prayer is that our students know and love Jesus and his Blessed Mother Mary. That in times of pain and unrest they can pour their suffering into the loving hands of Our Lady of Peace. Because if anyone could understand what they are going through, it’s her.

Our Lady of Peace, pray for us!