Who is the Blessed Virgin Mary?
The Scriptures tell us that Mary was the mother of Jesus. Since Jesus is a divine person with both a human and a divine nature, Mary can thus be called “the Mother of God.” Contrary to what Catholics are often accused of, we do not worship Mary and we do not consider Mary divine.
Mary is a human person, just like the rest of us, except, that by a singular grace and privilege granted by Almighty God, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the human race, Mary was preserved free from all stain of original sin.
Mary was chosen by God to be the vessel, through which the Messiah and Savior of the World would come. The Scriptures tell us that “all generations will call [Mary] blessed.” She was chosen by God from all eternity to play a special role in the salvation of humankind. She was prepared in advance by God, saved by the merits of Jesus Christ by being spared the stain of original sin and she cooperated with God’s grace and His will by saying, “be it done unto me according to your word.” She demonstrated perfect trust and faith in God.
What is Mary’s Role?
Mary plays a role in God’s saving plan for humanity. Over 2,000 years ago, Mary was the young girl in whose womb the Divine Word of God became incarnate. Mary first brought Jesus to mankind. Now, God is using Mary to bring mankind to Jesus.
She didn’t know every detail of God’s plan, but she trusted in what had been revealed to her by the angel. She was the first disciple of Jesus, submitting herself to Him while He was still growing in her womb. Thus, Mary is the model of discipleship for us. She is also the model of what the Church is called to be.
In all the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary that have been approved by the Church, Mary calls us to deeper conversion, to prayer and to penance. She wants the world to come to know her so that she can lead them to know her Son, for “no one comes to the Father, except through [Him].”
She exhorts us to pray the rosary for poor sinners.
