MARY AS INTERCESSOR THROUGH DEVOTION

By her manifold intercession, Mary continues to bring us the gifts of eternal salvation. Therefore the Blessed Virgin is invoked in the Church under the titles of Advocate, Helper etc. The Church’s devotion to the Blessed Virgin is intrinsic to Christian worship. This very special devotion differs essentially from the adoration which is given to the incarnate Word and equally to the Father and the Holy Spirit and greatly fosters his adoration.

The liturgical feasts dedicated to the Mother of God and Marian Prayer, such as the rosary, an epitome of the whole Gospel, expresses this devotion to the Virgin Mary – Catechism 969, 971. As Catholics we believe the history of the Catholic Church gives undeniable evidence that vibrant faith in Jesus is always accompanied by a living devotion to Mary. Departure from Mary means a cooling of relationship with Jesus. Mary does not want a concentration on her for her own sake, but only for the sake of her Son. And all of this is for our salvation, our happiness and holiness. Of her many titles, the one that emerged from the days of Vatican II contains this perennial Catholic teaching in a fresh way. That is her title as ‘Mother of the Church”. She is clearly the Mother of the members of Christ, since she has by her charity joined in bringing about the birth of believers in the Church, who are members of its head. Mary Mother of the Christ, Mother of the Church – [Catechism 963.]