The History and Theology of Mary’s Title as Mother of the Church: A Sociology of Religion Perspective through Durkheim and Weber

Abstract

Pope Francis, on February 11, 2018, decreed that an ancient devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, under the title “Mother of the Church,” be inserted into the Roman Calendar and be celebrated annually on the Monday after Pentecost. The inclusion of this feast highlights the importance of Mary’s maternal role in the mystery of the Church and renewed reflection on the meaning and implications of this Marian title. This study employs historical-theological research to trace the development of Mary’s title as Mother of the Church and examines its significance in the contemporary life of the Church. In presenting the said theme, the discussion is structured into these three major themes: first, the Historical Development of Mary’s Title as Mother of the Church, which traces its emergence from early Christian writings to the Second Vatican Council; second, Biblical and Theological Foundations by exploring the scriptural and doctrinal basis for Mary’s maternal role; and third, Maternal Presence in the Life of the Church by examining post-Vatican II documents, devotions and Marian shrines that illustrate her ongoing guidance in the Church. This title of the Blessed Virgin Mary encourages the growth of the maternal sense of the Church in the pastors, religious, and faithful. Through the promotion of this title, the invocation to Mary seeks to foster among the faithful the growth of genuine Marian piety. This reflection is further enriched by Durkheim’s notion of the collective conscience, which situates Marian devotion as a unifying moral force within the Church, and Weber’s concept of vocational calling, which frames Mary’s maternal presence as inspiring the faithful toward lived responsibility and service. These sociological insights deepen the understanding of how the Marian title functions not only theologically but also socially in shaping communal identity and religious practice.