“Mary is the mother of priests as her son, Jesus Christ is the great high priest! I have found this to be a very beautiful image to reflect on Mary’s presence and maternal support in my vocation as a priest. Obviously, I have not always been a priest. I was blessed to have a wonderful mother growing up (coincidentally, whose name was Mary). It was very easy for me to relate to Mary because of the mother I had been given, someone who was always loving and kind, caring for and thinking of others, someone you wanted to be with. That is the image of Our Lady that I hold as well.”

Father Len Plazewski — Christ the King Catholic Church, Tampa

“The love of a mother is just different from the love of a father. God is my number one, but knowing that Jesus gave His mother to watch over us is comforting. Every night, I can rest in the arms of both my heavenly Father and mother. It is like a child who gets tucked into bed by their parents. Any fears, worries, or anxieties just seem to go away. Now, Mary was only human, and by God’s grace, which is more powerful than we can imagine, she was able to live a sinless life. This grace, which she was full of, is not a grace that she keeps to herself, but one she shares with anyone who asks for it. I find myself asking for Mary’s grace quite often. In receiving her heavenly grace, which comes from the Father, it has truly helped me to become a much holier priest. Mary, Mother of God, Pray for Us!”

Father Izzie Hernandez — St. Paul Catholic Church, Tampa

“For me, Mother Mary reflects the very definition of a mother’s heart. Through her life-changing yes to the Archangel Gabriel, she teaches me to believe in what is possible through the lens and gift of faith. A mother does not want her sons or daughters to close the door to possibilities, especially those gifted by God. Too often we limit our horizons due to fear or a lack of faith. And in her words to the waiters at the wedding in Cana, “Do whatever [Christ] tells you” (Jn 2:6), she points the way to live life to the fullest. Mother Mary challenges me to be the person God created me to be. Openness, compassion, praise, thanksgiving, selflessness, and hope are the gifts I encounter in Mother Mary, gifts flowing from a mother’s heart to mine.”

Father Gary Dowsey — St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, Trinity

“In his autobiography, Pope Francis suggests we meditate on Mary’s maternal gaze. I have found this to be both helpful and challenging. To know that Mary looks at us with love and tenderness provides the comfort I sometimes need. And, by receiving this, I can offer that same sense of trust and acceptance to others.”

Father Kevin Yarnell — St. Anne Catholic Church, Ruskin

“When anyone mentions Mother Mary’s name, I feel a gentle smile and warmth in my heart. To me, she was always someone in heaven, until our faith community read 33 Days to Morning Glory by Father Michael Gaitley, MIC. After my consecration, she became a real person to me, and she has never left my side. That is only possible because she is full of grace and loves us all so much. When I became anxious, I learned to ask her to help me say yes to whatever pleases the Lord. When I don’t, life becomes complicated, and I add to its confusion. Many saints have said, ‘The mention of her name brings us into her presence.’”

Father Rick Pilger, I.C. — Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Seminole

“Mary is the perfect companion of my life. As she is both ‘mother’ and ‘woman’ in the life of Christ, so she is in the life of ordained priests who have been configured to Jesus the High Priest. As a priest I’ve come to know and entrust myself to her fierceness, her tenderness, and her affections for me and for those whom I serve.”

Father Chuck Dornquast — Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Saint Petersburg