The Archdiocese of Milwaukee celebrated the feast day of Mary, Mother of God, Monday. This memorial is celebrated each year on the Monday after Pentecost.

"Gathering for Prayer: On this special day, Archbishop Listecki, clergy, and staff of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee gathered for Mass and prayed the rosary,” the archdiocese posted on Facebook. “Keep Mary in your heart as we celebrate the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church.” 

Mary is honored on multiple feast days throughout the year, according to the Marians. During the month of May, Catholics celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima on May 13, and the Visitation on May 31. Other notable feast days include the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, which is celebrated on Jan. 1; the Annunciation, which is celebrated on March 25; Mary's Assumption into Heaven, which is celebrated on Aug. 15; and the Immaculate Conception, which is celebrated on Dec. 8. 

Mary holds a unique position in Catholicism, because as a human, she is included among those in need of God's saving, but as the Mother of God, she has received the gift of God's grace to an extent that surpasses all others, according to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). Mary's willingness to cooperate with God's plan places her in a crucial role in salvation. Catholics acknowledge Mary as a role model of discipleship and may ask for her intercession. 

Pentecost is a celebration of the Holy Spirit filling Jesus' disciples and enabling them to preach the Gospel. Fifty days after Jesus' resurrection and around 10 days after his ascension into heaven, Jesus' followers were gathered inside of a room, according to Christianity.com. Suddenly there was a sound, as if a gust of wind had rushed into the room, and tongues of fire appeared over the heads of Jesus' apostles. The Holy Spirit filled them, and they began to speak in tongues. A crowd gathered around them, and everyone in the crowd could hear Jesus' followers speaking in his native language. Peter began to preach to the crowd about Jesus, and that day, 3,000 people converted.