Mary’s Cooperation in Christ’s Redemption Work – Mar 27 – Homily – Fr Elias

 

Fr Elias gives the homily at Griswold, CT, on Mar 27, 2026, explaining the Church's liturgical celebration of Our Lady as Co-Redemptrix, her unique cooperation in Christ's redemption at the foot of the cross, and her role as Mediatrix of graces, drawing from history, hymns like Stabat Mater, and apparitions such as Akita.

Fr. Elias delivers a homily on the Friday before Palm Sunday, traditionally devoted to Our Lady's sorrows and cooperation in redemption, once called Our Lady Co-Redemptrix. He notes pre-Vatican II feasts on September 15 and this day, with opening prayers emphasizing her participation beyond mere contemplation. Supporting the Fifth Marian Dogma (Co-Redemptrix, Mediatrix, Advocate), he cites Pius XII on her right to distribute redemptive graces from Calvary, linked to John 19:26-27 ("Woman, behold your son"). The term "Co-Redemptrix" originated in the 1700s as the feminine "Redemptrix" with "co-" indicating subordination, like a co-pilot. He highlights the 13th-century Stabat Mater by Giacopone da Todi, contemporary of Bl. John Duns Scotus, inviting union with Mary's sorrows. In Akita, Our Lady appeared as Co-Redemptrix, her statue weeping 101 tears (Eve's 1 disobedience, eternity's 0, Mary's 1 obedience; Genesis 3:15). Post-Vatican II Lenten Masses include "Our Lady at the Foot of the Cross." The Miraculous Medal depicts her Immaculate Conception as redemption's first fruit and graces' mediation. He calls for her intercession to accompany Christ in Holy Week.

USCCB: Genesis 3:15 – Protoevangelium New Eve victory – https://bible.usccb.org/bible/genesis/3?15
Catechism 964 – Mary's foot-cross consent – http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/964.htm
Catechism 491 – Immaculate Conception grace – http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/491.htm
USCCB: John 19:26 – Behold your mother – https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/19?26
New Advent: Our Lady of Sorrows –  https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14151b.htm

00:00 - Introduction
00:49 - Liturgical History of Our Lady's Sorrows
02:34 - The Fifth Marian Dogma and Mediatrix
04:04 - Understanding the Title Co-Redemptrix
06:04 - Stabat Mater and Franciscan Tradition
07:05 - The Apparitions at Akita and the 101 Tears
09:34 - Mary's Moral Offering at Calvary
11:21 - Preparing for Holy Week with Our Lady

Ave Maria!
Mass: Friday 5th Week of Lent - Wkdy
Readings:  - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/032726.cfm
1st: Jeremiah 20:10-13
Resp: Psalms 18:2-3, 3-4, 5-6, 7
Gsp: John 10:31-42

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1769

Also on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWHMAM2KjAM