Everyone experiences pain and suffering, but many seek comfort and compassion from others. The Catholic tradition holds up the example of Mary, the mother of Jesus, who stood by her son during his crucifixion. Her presence is seen as an act of compassionate support.

The article reflects on the spiritual significance of Mary's role at the cross and how her example inspires believers to respond to suffering with empathy. "How beautiful, then, that the Mother of our Lord stood beneath His cross. Her compassionate presence consoled the Son of God. Suffering with Jesus, she yielded to His cross as if it were her own. While enduring her own pain, she entered into His love poured out for each one of us."

Imagining oneself beside Mary at the foot of the cross is described as a privileged position: "It’s a privileged position—seeing our Lord’s gaze of love and her receptive strength. She waits and holds His pain, trusting. She hears and accepts His call to love all others as her own. Her mission of merciful compassion begins; she becomes our spiritual mother."

According to Catholic teaching, Jesus gave his followers his mother as a gift during his crucifixion. The article cites several saints known for their devotion to Mary: St. Louis de Montfort, St. Pope John Paul II, St. Mother Teresa, and St. Maximilian Kolbe.

St. Maximilian Kolbe is highlighted for his commitment to Marian devotion: "A magnanimous man on mission, St. Maximilian exercised visionary leadership, heroic courage, unwavering confidence in the Lord, and a zealous love for 'Mama Mary,' as he called her." He founded the Militia of the Immaculate to encourage people to consecrate themselves to Mary.

Marian consecration involves entrusting one's life and actions to Mary in order to be more closely united with Jesus Christ: "Marian consecration is an intentional, voluntary choice of entrustment after Baptism...to be more fully united to Jesus Christ."

The author shares a personal experience about coming closer to faith through Mary's guidance: "I didn’t seek out total consecration. I was gifted it...He led me to a priest who schooled me, a friend who guided me, and saints who modeled lives of true devotion to Mary."

Mary's influence is described as gentle but powerful: "Filled with the Holy Spirit, she brings a quiet and peaceful presence wherever she enters."

The article explains that Mary's apostolic mission comes from God—to participate in Christ's work for salvation—and that believers are invited to join this mission.

"Mission" is discussed both in religious terms and in daily life: "Mission gives purpose and orientation to life...But 'mission' is God’s word of work."

Each member of the Church has a unique role within this broader mission: "As members of the Body of Christ, we each have a specific, unique part to play." The author adds that Marian consecration supports personal vocation rather than replacing it.

Ten years ago, participation in the Legion of Mary became another step in living out this calling: "Active membership in the Legion of Mary has become a visible...expression of my Marian consecration..."

Frank Duff founded the Legion based on serving others through devotion to Mary: “Without participation in the apostolate there can be no real union with her; true devotion to Mary must comprise the service of souls.”

The article concludes by emphasizing how Marian devotion shapes personal faith journeys: “To love Jesus with the purity and ardor of Mary is the great preoccupation of a Marian soul.” The author affirms Mary's ongoing importance: “Hers is a mission most worthy to live.”