Mary is referred to as the Morning Star because she heralds the Son. “She does not shine for herself, or from herself, but she is the reflection of her and our Redeemer, and she glorifies Him,” explains Blessed John Henry Newman. “When she appears in the darkness, we know that He is close at hand.”

It is fitting that the Church should use a symbol of the heavens to represent Mary because the star is placed high in heaven.

“Mary now has no part in this nether world. No change, no violence from fire, water, earth, or air, affects the stars above; and they show themselves, ever bright and marvellous, in all regions of this globe, and to all the tribes of men,” Blessed John writes.

“Mary, like the stars, abides for ever, as lustrous now as she was on the day of her Assumption; as pure and perfect, when her Son comes to judgment, as she is now.”

For Reflection: 

Contemplate that Mary is called Morning Star because she heralds her Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. What Scripture passages and events confirm this? Do you think Mary will herald her Son’s second coming? Why or why not? Read the last sentence. Based on this month’s journal, what are some instances that show Mary coming in the darkness of a given day or time? What about our time? Journal your thoughts, reflections and considerations.