8th Grade Essay Contest

Mary’s role as the Mother of Life extends from the Annunciation all the way to the Crucifixion, and then beyond. When the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary to tell her that she would conceive and bear a son, Mary responded with her fiat, “May it be done to me according to your word” (Lk 1:38). In becoming the mother of Jesus, Mary becomes the mother of life. Mary’s acceptance in this unforeseen moment demonstrates how each of us must welcome the gift of new human life, even when that gift is unexpected or calls us to make sacrifices​.

When Mary learns that her elderly cousin Elizabeth is six months pregnant, she travels in haste to visit Elizabeth, spending the next three months at her side, even while pregnant herself. The Blessed Mother perfectly models how we are called to accompany expectant mothers as they prepare to welcome new life into the world. 

On Calvary, Mary stands at the foot of the Cross with Saint John. With his final breaths, Jesus entrusts Mary and the Beloved Disciple to one another. Saint John takes Mary into his home and cares for her as she advances in age, demonstrating our responsibility to care for human life, from conception to natural death. Mary, who taught us how to nurture human life, becomes the recipient of that same honor and care.

The life of the Blessed Mother teaches us to respect each human life in every stage and circumstance. Mary is our model for upholding the sanctity of all human life.

O Mary, “Mother of the living, to you do we entrust the cause of life.”

(Pope John Paul II, Evangelium vitae, 105)

In your essay, discuss how Mary’s life reflects God’s call for us to respect all life,from conception to natural death, and all life in between that can come with challenges, be they physical, emotional, or mental.  Describe how you, as a young adult, can support and promote a pro-life environment in our community.