Holy Name of Mary
Solemn Lauds // Papal Honors
Basilica of the Assumption
September 12, 2026
“What’s in a name?” Juliet famously asks in Shakespear’s Romeo & Juliet. We might ask the same question on this morning of grace and joy when we celebrate the Holy Name of Mary. What is in the name of Mary, the Mother of God?
Scholars ascribe various meanings to her name. It can mean “one who is beautiful”, “one who is beloved”, and because of an ancient manuscript that was erroneously copied, her name has come to mean, “star of the sea” – a happy error, I might add. The Gospel of Luke speaks of “an angel sent to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph of the House of David,” and adds, “the virgin’s name was Mary” (Luke 1:27). The angel Gabriel greets her: “Hail, favored one!” Or as we say so often, “Hail Mary, full of grace!”
From time immemorial Christians have called upon Mary. Pope Innocent IX famously invoked her name in 1683 when Vienna was under attack. Grateful for the victory of Christian forces, he instituted this feast day, the Holy Name of Mary, and more recently, Saint John Paul II restored it.
Yes, the name of Mary has a rich history and many meanings and her name has been invoked in many situations. But all the invocations of her name have this in common: hers is a name that fills our hearts with hope, comfort, and strength. She is a guiding light in darkness, a safe refuge in time of trouble. To call upon Mary is to feel the effects of her maternal love – and to experience her maternal love, is to be drawn closer to Christ. Accompanied by her prayers, spurred on by her encouragement, we, like Mary, open our hearts to the Holy Spirit. And it is through the Holy Spirit that Christ lives in us and that we are enabled to do the works of love he has entrusted to us.
This morning, we invoke the Holy Name of Mary yet again. We ask her to help us give thanks and praise to God for those in our midst who have done and are doing the work of the Lord, those whose works of loving discipleship Pope Leo XIV has recognized.
Some of you are being inducted into the Order of St. Gregory in recognition of your leadership in providing international relief services, in leading an array of Catholic institutions and ministries, in providing mental health services to those in need, and much more.
Others of you are being honored with the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal, a phrase that means, “For the Church and for the Pontiff.” Your works of discipleship are wide-ranging: outstanding priestly ministry in Mountain Maryland; the founding of schools that educate underserved children; service offered to the poorest of the poor by religious sisters; diaconal service marked by a passion for evangelization; a couple’s exemplary service of their parish along with support for ministries across the Archdiocese; unparalleled support for Catholic education; dedication to the imprisoned; provision of excellent health care, especially to the clergy; stellar leadership as a Catholic educator; dedication to ministry in and with the Hispanic community, dedicated service to evangelizing catechesis in various parishes and at the archdiocesan level; a couple who minister tirelessly in the Hispanic community; and a former associate superintendent of Catholic schools and leader in the Black Catholic community.
But wait, there’s more! Still others of you will receive the Benemerenti Award, including a longtime State of Maryland Superintendent of Schools and one of the best friends our Catholic schools have ever had; a retired judge who served with great integrity and insight on the Independent Review Board; and a business leader with a heart for the City of Baltimore and for ministries that serve those in need.
These are works of love that fill us with hope and joy. These are works of love that are beautiful, endearing, and a source of comfort and strength for those in need. These are works that shine in the darkness and guide us towards all that is good, beautiful, and honorable. Not only is Pope Leo smiling upon you, our honorees, I believe that the Blessed Mother is also smiling on you, for she sees in you and in your good works the image of her Son.
Indeed, all of us are smiling this morning, for we, your family, friends, and co-workers are deeply grateful for your spirit of service, your generosity, your goodness. Let me add my own word of deep and personal thanks! After serving here in Baltimore for so many years, I know firsthand your love for the Lord and for the Church and your love for those whom you serve so effectively. With greatest joy, I commend you to the prayers of Mary in whose name we find hope, comfort, strength to do the Lord’s work. Mary, Mother of God and Mother of the Church, pray for us!