How I have experienced Mary’s presence in my life

My own experience of Mary’s presence happens daily. The way I pray to her consists in presenting to her motherhood, with the confidence of a son who feels loved, the daily cares and concerns that are in my heart as a bishop. I entrust the priests of my diocese to the Virgin, so that they may live their priesthood with joy, enthusiasm and readiness to do the will of the Divine Father, as Mary did at the Annunciation. I do it especially during my 40-minute daily walk.

There have also been moments when Mary was a decisive help in the trials of my life: I remember the death of my dear mother in 1995. I drew consolation from the words that Jesus spoke from the cross, "Woman, this is your son," and "Son, this is your mother." I felt that Mary was indeed my mother and it helped me trust God through this difficult time.

When I was appointed bishop of the diocese of Camaçari (Bahia), my inspiration came from the Wedding at Cana: Mary helped me embrace this new responsibility, and I never ran out of the “wine” of love or joy in my pastoral field. 

Bishop João Carlos Petrini, Diocese of Camaçari (BA), Brazil

Exclusive interview by Thácio Siqueira for A Moment With Mary