The Veneration of Mary

Who is Mary?

Mary is a particularly important figure within the Catholic Church. Catholics do not worship Mary, but they highly respect her as she agreed to God’s plan and was willing to bear the Incarnation, Jesus.

Why is Mary called the Model of the Church?

She is a role model for believers and displays key values for them to emulate. In all of her action she exemplifies the mission of the Church. She agreed to and accepted God’s plan to be the mother of Christ; and supported and displayed her faith in her son throughout his mission.

Why is Mary referred to 'the Mother of the Church’?

Christ is described as the Head of the Church and followers are described as the Body of the Church. As Mary is the the Mother of Christ that makes her the Mother of the Church.

Sources of authority

‘By her complete adherence to the Father's will, to his Son's redemptive work, and to every prompting of the Holy Spirit, the Virgin Mary is the Church's model of faith and charity.’ CCC 967

KEY EVENTS - Annunciation

The Angle Gabriel appeared to Mary in the town of Nazareth, declaring her to be favoured by God and chosen to be the mother of Jesus

KEY EVENTS - Visitation

When Mary visited Elizabeth her baby leapt in her womb, Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and blessed Mary along with the Christs child

KEY EVENTS - Assumption

the belief that Mary’s body and soul was raised from the dead into heaven at the end of her earthly life.

What is meant by the term ‘Immaculate conception’?

The belief God preserved the Virgin Mary from the taint of original sin from the moment of her conception. This means that she was pure and immaculate, and therefore the only person who could carry and give birth to the Son of God.

What is meant by the term ‘Virgin birth’

This is the belief that Jesus was conceived in Mary’s womb without a human father.Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 1:26 - 38 explain that Jesus was conceived by the holy spirit.

Ways of Venerating Mary

• praying the rosary which includes the Hail Mary.

• Pilgrimage to Sites where Mary has appeared

• May and October are also dedicated to Mary during which the rosary will be prayed daily and devotion is showed to Our Lady

• Titles

• Statues / art

Mary’s role at the Wedding at Cana

• Mary observes the shortage of wine. She seeks Jesus' help, demonstrating her concern for others and her faith in his abilities. 

• Mary's words, "They have no wine," mark her as the first intercessor, initiating Jesus' public ministry and leading to his first miracle. 

• Mary's faith is evident in her belief that Jesus will solve the problem, even though his "hour" has not yet come. She trusts in his power and guides the servants to follow his instructions. 

• Mary's actions at Cana serve as a model for believers to trust in Jesus' power and intercede for others, even in seemingly small matters. 

Qualities Mary displayed that Catholics aspire to

the importance of humility - Even though Mary was the mother of Christ she didn’t use that title to her advantage. She simply accepted God’s will for her and continued to serve him throughout her life.

the importance of living simple lives - Mary lived a simple life, which shows Catholics that there is more to life than pursuing the material things that can distract them from God. Simplicity helps believers to concentrate on God and his will for their lives.

the importance of love - She loved God enough to accept his will in her life without question. She also showed immense love for her Son, Jesus. This encourages Catholics to show love for others, as Jesus wanted.

Describe veneration

• Catholics do not worship Mary, rather they pray and ask her to intercede on their behalf - ask Mary to join them in their prayers.

• Catholics venerate Mary because she was chosen to be the mother of Christ - as it says in the Magnificat in Luke’s Gospel, “From now on all generations will call me blessed…”