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 her actions she exemplifies the mission of the Church. She agreed to God’s will to give birth to Jesus and supported and displayed her faith in her son throughout his ministry. She was with him at every stage of his work on Earth and fully supported and followed his teachings. This shows Catholics that all believers should trust in God, allowing his will in their lives and remaining faithful even when in difficulty.

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 (Catechism of the Catholic Church)K

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 (the belief all humans are born sinful) 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.J

Ways of Venerating Mary

• Feasts

• Praying the Rosary

• Visiting places of pilgrimage

Mary’s role at the Wedding at Cana

• Intercession:

  Mary observes the shortage of wine, which would cause embarrassment and distress for the hosts. She immediately seeks Jesus' help, demonstrating her concern for others and her faith in his abilities. 

• First Intercessor:

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

• Trust and Faith:

  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. 

• Model for Others:

  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

She shows the importance of humility - Even though Mary was the mother of Christ, she didn’t use this to gain power or unfair advantages. She simply accepted God’s will for her and continued to serve him throughout her life.

She also showed 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.

Mary showed 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.