Not long ago, our family suffered an unexpected loss. My wife and I were on vacation and happened to be visiting a Benedictine monastery when the news came. There was a nearby grotto that we had planned to see, but now we went to pray.

The grotto was dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes. As we prayed, I looked at the statue of Mary at its center. I thought about how Mary must have felt at the Crucifixion, seeing her son — her beloved, the joy of her heart — suffer and die. I couldn’t help but connect those thoughts with thoughts of our family’s loss.

I also thought about mothers the world over who suffer because they can’t protect those they love from hardship. I thought of mothers in war zones whose families fall victim to conflict. I thought of the millions of mothers the world over who see their children’s bright potential go unfulfilled because of poverty.

The Blessed Mother holds a special place in the hearts of many in the countries where Unbound works. She represents a mother’s love and consolation and serves as an entry point into a deeper relationship with Jesus.

On Jan. 1, the Catholic Church celebrates the Solemnity of Mary, The Mother of God, the final observance of the Octave (eight days) of Christmas. On this day we celebrate Mary’s “yes” to God, her acceptance of her unique role in salvation history and the joy and pain that would come with it.

Mary reminds us that to love another person is to share in their suffering. In a world that often extols taking more than giving, it’s an important reminder for each of us. Within the Unbound community, it rings true in the concern sponsors and their sponsored friends have for one another in times of loss. The prayerful support that flows both ways across the miles, oceans and continents speaks of the healing power of God’s love and the goodness of the human family.

Loving God, in the Blessed Mother you have given us a model of fidelity and courage. She was Jesus’ first disciple and an exemplar of discipleship for all of us. Though she did not always understand the workings of your will, she accepted it, humbly saying, “May it be done to me according to your word.” Help us to follow her example, trusting in you even in our times of deepest suffering and challenge. We ask this in the name of your Son, the child of Mary, Jesus. Amen.