Mary, model of the Church
In addition, the Blessed Virgin is intimately linked to the Church by the gift and burden of the divine maternity of united with her Son, the Redeemer, as well as by the singular graces and functions vested in it. The Mother of God is the figure of the Church, as St. Ambrose taught, and that in the order of faith, love and unity perfect with Christ. Indeed, in the mystery of the Church, which receives, it also rightly called mother and virgin, the Blessed Virgin Mary came first, offering an outstanding and unique model of the Virgin and the Mother. For, in faith and obedience she gave birth on earth the very Son of God, not carnal, but under the action of the Holy Spirit; new Eve, she thought, not in the old serpent, but the messenger of God, a faith no doubt was unaltered. She gave birth to the Son that God established the firstborn of many brothers (Rom. 8, 29), that is to say the faithful. Also she cooperates in her mother's love, in the lead and educate. Church, contemplating her hidden sanctity, imitating her charity, the Church, faithfully fulfilling the Father's will, becomes a mother, too, by the welcome it offers a lot of faith in the Word of God . For, by preaching and baptism she brings forth to new life and immortal son conceived of the Holy Spirit born of God. She is a virgin, who keeps whole and pure faith she has given to the bridegroom. In imitation of the Mother of her Lord, she retains a virginal way, by virtue of the Holy Spirit, a faith intact, a firm hope and sincere charity.
(Vatican II: Lumen Gentium ", 63-64).
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