Standing with Mary in Hope

On July 9, the Passionist Family celebrates the feast of Our Lady, Mother of Holy Hope, one of three Marian feasts especially cherished in the Passionist tradition, alongside Our Lady of Sorrows and the Assumption of Mary. 

While this devotion began within the Passionist Congregation, its profound message has since been embraced more broadly by the Church. In 2020, Pope Francis further highlighted its importance by adding the title “Mother of Hope” to the Litany of Loreto.

Mary’s title as Mother of Holy Hope is rooted in Calvary. Standing faithfully at the foot of the cross, she witnessed the suffering and death of her Son without surrendering to despair.

As Pope Francis reflected, she was “the woman of sorrow and at the same time of vigilant waiting of a mystery, greater than the sorrow, which is about to take place.”

Her hope was not wishful thinking, but complete trust that God’s saving love would triumph.

For Passionists, this mystery lies at the heart of our charism. St. Paul of the Cross recognized that the Passion of Jesus is the greatest revelation of God’s love and the surest source of hope for the world. Mary’s presence beneath the cross reminds us that compassion is born from suffering. In sharing fully in Christ’s Passion, she became especially attentive to the struggles of every person who suffers.

Because she understands our pain, we confidently turn to her, trusting in her loving intercession.

The cross did not have the final word. The sorrow of Calvary gave way to the joy of the Resurrection. This is the hope Mary continually offers to us as she points us to her son. Even in moments of uncertainty, grief or hardship, she teaches us to persevere with faith, knowing that God’s love is always stronger than suffering and death.

On this feast of Our Lady, Mother of Holy Hope, may Mary strengthen our trust in Christ, deepen our compassion for those who suffer and help us become signs of hope for one another.