Mary is our model par excellence, not only because all the virtues are fully realized in her, but also because she teaches us to live the path of giving that, as pilgrims, we walk every day. She is the star that lights the way for us, the sweet hand that lifts us up and leads us along the paths of love and giving. Walking hand in hand with our Mother, we go safe and confident. Only by letting ourselves be led by Mary, she will teach us to be docile so that the Holy Spirit works in us.

Every day, throughout these nine days, we will consecrate our hearts to Mary, Mother of pilgrims, letting ourselves be questioned by everything that she shows us. This itinerary we will follow during these nine days, will lead us to learn more about our Mother and to understand how the heart that gives itself becomes capable of loving much and giving everything for the good of others. 

Mary, Mother of pilgrims, is essentially the intercessor of all mankind, especially of those who most need God's mercy. She is the one who accompanies the entire Church in the exercise of active charity. Through her, we quickly reach the Heart of the Son with the offering of our lives so that everything we have lived bears redemptive fruits for the whole world. 

Mary is Mediatrix of all graces and she is associated with the redemptive work of Christ. As such, she invites us, as pilgrims and her much-loved children, to become a source and intercessors, too, of the graces that are poured out to everyone. 

Let us unite to our Mother with confidence, knowing that through her everything is possible; recognizing us as her favorite children and placing ourselves at her service so that she makes each pilgrim a means for the salvation of the world. 

(Her feast is celebrated on August 22.)