Mary, a most beloved mother

The Virgin Mary is "the mother of the members of Christ . . . having cooperated by charity that faithful might be born in the Church, who are members of that Head. Wherefore she is hailed as a pre-eminent and singular member of the Church, and as its type and excellent exemplar in faith and charity. The Catholic Church, taught by the Holy Spirit, honors her with filial affection and piety as a most beloved mother."

Vatican II’s Dogmatic Constitution on the Church Lumen Gentium, 53