The Church, he said, “is a true mother who gives us life in Christ and, in the communion of the Holy Spirit, brings us into a common life with our brothers and sisters.”
Pointing to the mother of Jesus, the Roman Pontiff explained that “The model of maternity for the Church is the Virgin Mary” who “in the fullness of time conceived through the Holy Spirit and gave birth to the Son of God.”
“Her motherhood continues through the Church, who brings forth sons and daughters through baptism, whom she nourishes through the Word of God,” he said.
“The birth of Jesus in the womb of Mary as firstborn of many brothers is a prelude of the new life that Christians receive in baptism.”
via Pope Francis: the Church is a mother who guides her children :: Catholic News Agency (CNA).
