Here stands the Monstra Te Esse Matrem Statue. What does “Monstra Te Esse Matrem” mean? It is Latin for “Show thyself a mother”. These words come from the ancient Marian hymn “Ave Stella Maris”. “Ave Stella Maris” means “Hail Star of The Sea”.
The Monstra Te Esse Matrem Statue reminds us of the spiritual motherhood of Mary. This concept has deep roots in Christian tradition. It is about Mary’s role as a mother to all believers.
The statue echoes the Miraculous Medal. The medal shows the Blessed Virgin Mary standing on a snake. She has a halo of stars around her head. St Catherine Laboure experienced visions of the Virgin Mary. The Miraculous Medal was created at Mary’s request during these visions.
The Miraculous Medal is linked to the Congregation of the Children of Mary. This group encouraged young women to live holy lives. They embraced sacrifice, prayer, and charity. Girls had to request to join the group. They waited six months to prepare. Upon entering, they received a silver medal. The medal read “Monstra Te Esse Matrem”. They sometimes wore blue capes too.
The spiritual maternity of Mary is a key doctrine. It says Mary is our Mother in the spiritual order. This order is often called “the order of grace”. It is similar to how our biological mother cares for us. The great Mariologist Fr Emil Neubert said even the least instructed Catholics know Mary is their Mother.
Sacred Scripture supports Mary’s spiritual motherhood. Genesis 3:15 speaks of a woman crushing Satan’s head. Many believe this refers to Mary. Luke 1:26-38 describes the Annunciation. Mary’s “fiat” or “let it be done” made her the Mother of Jesus. It also began her spiritual motherhood.
John 19:25-27 tells of Jesus entrusting Mary to John on the Cross. Jesus said to Mary “Woman behold your son”. Then he said to John “Behold your mother”. Many see this as Jesus emphasizing Mary’s role in salvation.
Galatians 4:4 says God sent his Son born of a woman. This highlights Mary’s role in our adoption as children of God. Revelation 12 describes a woman clothed with the sun. This symbolizes Mary’s role in the Church.
Early Christian writers recognized Mary’s spiritual motherhood. St Justin Martyr said Mary’s obedience brought forth the one who delivers from death. St Irenaeus said Mary reanimated man through obedience to God. Origen saw Mary as the Mother of those in whom Christ lives.
St Augustine said Mary is the mother of Christ’s members. These members are the faithful. The hymn “Ave Maris Stella” asks Mary to show herself a mother. It asks her to use her rights as Mother with her Son. This shows early Christians loved and invoked Mary as mother.
Theologians throughout history have affirmed Mary’s spiritual motherhood. St Anselm said God is the Father of created things. Mary is the mother of re-created things. St Bernard of Clairvaux said Mary generated life and glory for all generations. St Bonaventure said Mary loves all the elect with maternal affection.
The popes have also emphasized Mary’s spiritual motherhood. Pope Leo XIII said Mary is the Mother of all Christians. She bore them on Mount Calvary. Pope Pius X said Christ took flesh in Mary’s womb. He united himself to the spiritual body of believers.
The Second Vatican Council affirmed Mary’s role as Mother of Christ and Mother of men. It said Mary cooperated in giving back supernatural life to souls. She is our Mother in the order of grace.
The Monstra Te Esse Matrem Statue invites us to reflect on Mary’s love. It calls us to remember her role in our spiritual lives. It urges us to seek her intercession and to show ourselves as good children, living a life of faith, hope, and love. It reminds us to ask Mary to “Show Thyself A Mother”.