Mary’s Birth Pangs: The Mystery of Co-Redemption – Apr 04 – Homily – Fr Bernard

 



 

Fr Bernard gives the homily during the Holy Saturday paraliturgy known as the "Hour of the Mother," (Apr 04, 2026), explaining how Bible prophecies about "birth pangs" before the emergence of God's Kingdom point to Mary's deep involvement in salvation. Like the New Eve to Jesus' New Adam, she shared fully in His sufferings—not equally, but as His loving Mother feeling every pain in her heart and even body.

This is what "Coredemptrix" means: united with Jesus to bring us new life through grace. Mary stood strong at the Cross, full of patience, meekness, and faith, becoming Mother of the Church. We should thank her for suffering as if for each of us personally and imitate her virtues in our own trials.

Isaiah 26:17 – Birth pangs prophecy – https://bible.usccb.org/bible/isaiah/26?17
Revelation 12:2 – Woman childbirth pains – https://bible.usccb.org/bible/revelation/12?2
Luke 2:35 – Sword pierces soul – https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/2?35
CCC 494 – Mary new Eve – http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/494.htm
CCC 511 – Associated in salvation – http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/511.htm
CCC 970 – Maternal coredemption role – http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/970.htm
Catholic Answers – Mary new Eve – https://www.catholic.com/tract/mary-the-new-eve
EWTN – Coredemptrix title explained – https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/title-of-coredemptrix-6657

00:00 - Introduction
00:10 - Birth Pangs and the Kingdom of God
01:33 - The Blessed Mother as the New Eve
03:14 - Understanding the Title Coredemptrix
05:14 - The Mystical Union of Mother and Son
07:38 - Mary as Mother of the Church
09:24 - Gratitude for Mary's Maternal Love
12:12 - Mary as the Model of Faith on Holy Saturday

Ave Maria!

Mass readings

Also on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ws8xk9qzwU