Mary: Pilgrim, Disciple, Leader

Pope Leo XIV has just named Sister Tiziana Merletti, a canon lawyer, to be secretary of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. We published this article by Sister Tiziana, “Mary: Pilgrim, Disciple, Leader The model of leadership for a synodal Church,” in September 2023.

On October 9, 2021, in his address opening the Synod on Synodality, Pope Francis quoted the late Dominican theologian Yves Congar, saying there is no need to create another Church, but to create a different Church. The Pope continued that this is the challenge: a different Church, a Church open to the newness that God wants to suggest—a synodal Church.

Before being called Christians, those in Jesus’ circle were defined as men or women who belonged to the Way (Acts 9:2)—synodoi, those who walk together, as St. Ignatius of Antioch points out. They were followers of Christ, the synodos, the fellow traveller par excellence. This “walking together” is not reserved for people officially accredited for the task but is meant for everyone—on the road with all our brothers and sisters in whom we see the image of God, excluding no one.

Leadership in a Synodal Church

Since the Second Vatican Council, we have experienced a great evolution in the way we conceive leadership in our Christian communities. We have gradually moved away from a purely pyramidal, top-down approach in which authority and leadership are synonymous. This change reflects shifts in civil society and our growing sensitivity to values such as respect for the individual, the importance of every person’s contribution, participation, and shared responsibility.

We do well to look to Mary—pilgrim, disciple, leader—as our model for a synodal Church.

Mary, Disciple of the Risen One Among Us

Mary, a pilgrim open to change after the Resurrection, joins in the mission of the Risen Christ: the unity of all creation. Chiara Lubich wrote that the resurrection of Jesus is the beginning of the New Creation. In Him, all things find their ultimate meaning. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. The risen Jesus is not a static presence but a unifying and active principle: love.

Mary, Pilgrim Open to Change

From the cross, Jesus addresses Mary, entrusting her to the beloved disciple. From that hour, the disciple took her into his home. Mary, mother of the physical body of Jesus, is thus given a greater role: to be mother of the mystical Body of Christ—a role she assumes fully after the Resurrection.

Chiara Lubich observed that Jesus seems to release Mary from motherhood toward Him to make her mother of John, in whom He sees all of us. But she pays for this transition with profound desolation. She is alone, without Jesus. She is the Desolate One.

Mary does not remain in her desolation. She sets out again, letting go of the ways she had related to Jesus during His earthly life. She probably followed Him in His ministry and heard the good news. Now, after the Resurrection, she journeys even deeper. She is asked to be at home with the disciple Jesus loved—with the community of believers. There, she rediscovers her role as mother in a new way and lives it with her mother’s heart.

Mary, Model Leader Within the “Mystery of the Moon”

The “mystery of the moon” is an image cherished by the early Church Fathers. Just as the moon reflects the light of the sun, the Church reflects the light of Christ. It does not shine by its own light. Through authentic evangelization, the Church helps even the most distant to encounter this reflected light.

This is the same mission Mary has carried out since the wedding at Cana, when she said, “Do whatever he tells you.” As the mother of the community of believers, gathered with the apostles, we can picture her as a leader—not one exercising authority like Peter, but as a mentor, counsellor, and living reminder of Jesus’ teachings. It is within the “mystery of the moon” that Mary exercises her leadership.

Mary’s Leadership Resembles Today’s Ideal

If we examine today’s best leadership models, we find remarkable similarities to Mary’s style. Consider these three qualities:

• Leaders today must be introspective, capable of facing their own shadows, self-aware and self-disciplined, and able to confront challenges with strength.
• Leaders today must be able to collaborate in a team toward a common goal.
• Leaders today must inspire leadership in others and help it grow.

How Is Mary a Model Leader?

Mary is introspective because she remained in touch with her true self. She embraced change as part of God’s plan, accepted the struggles involved in forming the new body of Christ, and continued to treasure the Word in her heart and live it out.

As a team player, Mary made herself the “nothingness of love” to allow others to shine. She supported all the disciples in their specific roles in the early Christian community—Peter, John, Mary of Magdala, and others who rushed to the tomb. She was not jealous of Mary of Magdala, who first saw the Risen Jesus and was chosen to announce Him. Instead, Mary supported everyone through both the trials and the joy of the Church’s beginnings.

Mary’s leadership also inspires leadership in others. The many religious orders, congregations, associations, and movements dedicated to her—among them the Work of Mary, the official title of the Focolare Movement—are living proof. This Movement includes people of all ages, classes, vocations, and abilities, bringing Gospel life into every sphere of society.

With the birth of so many Marian families over the centuries, it is as though Mary is saying to her children: I want you to be leaders. I want you to be like me—capable of bringing forth life always, everywhere, living the Word, and not retreating in the face of power or tradition.

Look Forward, Not Back

Now is not the time for nostalgia. Instead, we are called to imitate St. Paul, who said in his letter to the Philippians that he forgets what lies behind and strains forward to what lies ahead. He presses on toward the goal—the prize of God’s upward calling in Christ Jesus.

Let us strain forward. Let us walk together as synodoi—fellow travelers—with passion in our hearts for the Church and for humanity.

And may it all be to the glory of Mary!