Sailing across seven Cs with Mary

  •   Tue, Oct 07 2025
  •   By Fr Ajay Nelson D'Silva SJ

October 7, 2025

As we commemorate the Virgin Mary this month, let's delve into the Seven Cs of her life, which exemplify the virtues that made her the ideal follower and Mother of God. Each 'C; presents more than a mere snapshot of her life; it acts as a guide for our own spiritual journeys. 

It all starts with the Call – her response at the Annunciation. Every significant journey begins with that crucial first step, that calling. When the angel Gabriel appeared, Mary, a relatively unknown young woman from Nazareth, heard God's voice and responded with unwavering faith: "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord." This single act of obedience altered the course of humankind. Mary didn't understand everything, but she placed her trust in the One who called her. Genuine discipleship invariably begins with this kind of faith—saying "yes" even when the path ahead isn't clear. 

Next, we have Conception – The Word Made Flesh. Before Mary conceived Jesus in her womb, she first conceived Him in her heart through faith.  When the Holy Spirit overshadowed her, the seemingly impossible occurred—the eternal Word took on human form. Mary demonstrates that faith enables God to be reborn within us day after day. 

Charity is showcased as Love in Practice. Following the Annunciation, Mary "set out in haste" to visit her cousin Elizabeth. Even though she carried the Son of God, she didn't wait to be served; instead, she sought to serve others. Her love was more than just sentimental; it was practical, generous, and joyful. In Mary, charity wasn't just an emotion but an action—outward-focused, humble, and self-giving. 

Contemplation highlights Pondering in Her Heart. In Bethlehem, at the Temple, and in Nazareth, Mary encountered moments of mystery and misunderstanding. Yet, she never complained or questioned God aloud. Scripture tells us, "She kept all these things, pondering them in her heart" (Luke 2:19). Mary prayed about her questions; she didn't gossip about her worries. In silence, she turned confusion into communion with God. 

Compassion signifies Standing by the Cross. At Calvary, Mary's heart was pierced with sorrow. But she did not flee. She stood at the foot of the Cross—steadfast, silent, and strong. In her compassion, she didn't simply watch her Son suffer; she suffered alongside Him. There, at the foot of the Cross, she became the Mother of the Church—embracing every disciple in her maternal heart. 

Community is found In the Upper Room. After the Ascension, we find Mary gathered with the disciples in the Upper Room, praying for the arrival of the Spirit. She was the motherly heart of the first Christian community—the silent center around which unity was born. In her presence, fear turned into faith, and confusion into communion. Mary teaches the Church how to remain united—through prayer, hope, and mission. 

Finally, Crowning reflects Glory in Heaven. At the end of her earthly life, Mary was assumed into heaven and crowned as Queen of Heaven and Earth. Her journey—from Call to Crown—reveals the destiny of every faithful disciple: from obedience to glory, from service to sanctity, from humility to exaltation. Her life is a map of grace: if we follow her path, we too shall share her crown. 

In conclusion: Sailing with Mary, the Seven Cs of Mary’s life—Call, Conception, Charity, Contemplation, Compassion, Community, and Crowning—aren't merely milestones of her journey but our guiding principles. 

 

 

 
By Fr Ajay Nelson D'Silva SJ
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