You are a gentle mother to the children of this soil: the universal motherhood of Mary, the Church and the nations

a maternidade universal de Maria, da Igreja e das nações

Abstract

This article aims to reflect, based on the universal motherhood of Jerusalem, the Church and Mary of Nazareth, on the inclusive motherhood of nations. Inspired by Pope Francis’ Fratelli Tutti, the research presents some Old Testament biblical references that indicate a maternal openness of the people of Israel to foreigners. It then analyzes, based on the practice of Jesus, the maternal mission of the Church, manifested to all peoples, and the universal motherhood of Mary, the mother of Jesus. The maternal dimension of Zion, the Church and Mary contribute to the hermeneutic development of the universal motherhood of nations – in particular, Brazil –, and their openness to welcoming migrants and refugees. The maternal mission of Israel, the Church and Mary make it possible to rethink political relations between nations, especially with regard to hospitality and concern for migrants. Every nation has the vocation of being a motherland, taking into its maternal womb not only the children of its land, but equally, in a process of openness and inclusion, foreigners and refugees.