NBVM Novena Day 2: Mary, Queen of Families

It was almost 7:30 in the evening when the parishioners once again gathered at the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary for the celebration of the second day of novena for the feast of our Blessed Mother. The theme chosen for this year was “Mary, Queen of Families”, a reminder of how Mary’s intercession continues to guide and strengthen our homes.

At 7:30 pm the novena began, ending with a hymn of praise fifteen minutes later. With reverence, everyone made the sign of the cross and prepared for the main part of the evening, the Eucharistic celebration. A bell rang, breaking the silence, and the congregation rose to sing joyfully as the presiders entered: Fr Cyril, assisted by our beloved Fr Dominic.

During the homily, Fr Cyril invited us to reflect more deeply on Mary as the Queen of Christian families. He asked why the Gospels, if Mary is so important, contain so little about her. The reason, he explained, is that after the Resurrection, the urgency of the early Church was to proclaim Christ and prepare for His coming again. There was no time to write at length about Mary, though the few things written are enough to strengthen our faith. Yet, in His final moments on the Cross, Jesus entrusted His Mother to John, ensuring that she would remain Mother to all disciples. Centuries later, the Church affirmed this truth at the Council of Ephesus, declaring Mary as Mother of God, Theotokos.

The early Christians also recognised Mary as the first disciple, the one who knew Jesus most truly. Just as in our own families it is often the mother who understands the children best, so Mary knew the heart of Christ. This is why she is honoured not only as Queen of Heaven but also as Queen of Families. In every home, mothers quietly shape and nurture life in ways that cannot be replaced.

Mary is more than a figure of devotion. We must not limit her to statues, candles and prayers, but learn from her example. Above all, she teaches us humility. When the angel greeted her, “Blessed are you among women,” she did not respond with pride, but with openness: “How can this be?” Her humility reveals her true self and invites us to do the same in our families. Too often, pride and ego create distance between husbands, wives and children. Humility, on the other hand, brings reconciliation and peace.

Mary also teaches us obedience and faith. She surrendered fully to the will of God, trusting even when she did not understand. From her, we learn that obedience is not blind submission but an act of trust in God who is faithful. And where humility and obedience are found, love naturally follows.

Even in moments that could have hurt her pride, such as when Jesus said, “Who is my mother?” Mary did not react with anger or claim special privilege. She understood and lived the will of God. Her life was not about being honoured but about pointing us to her Son.

Fr Cyril reminded us with a powerful appeal: do not leave Mary at church, bring her home. To honour her is not only to ask for her prayers, but to allow her virtues to take root in our daily lives. When we bring Mary into our homes, when we seek to be humble as she was, obedient as she was, and faithful as she was, our families become stronger, more loving and more united in God.

The heart of this feast day is to remember our families. Let us ask Mary, Queen of Families, to intercede for us and for our loved ones, that our homes may reflect the love and presence of God. (Aloysious Ignatious Fabian)