From a sermon of St John Chrysostom: ‘The blessed Mary, ever a Virgin, dearest brethren, was in truth a great wonder. For what greater or more wonderful one has ever at any time been discovered, or can at any time be discovered? She alone is greater far than heaven and earth. What is holier than she? Not the prophets, not the apostles, not the martyrs, not the patriarchs, not the angels, not the thrones, not the dominations, not the seraphim, not the cherubim; in truth no creature whatever, whether visible or invisible, is to be found greater or more excellent than she’.

Yet her humility was such that she could exclaim in the Magnificat: ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden …’ Herein lies her greatness.

May she pray for us, and may God bless you this day.