Mary, Blessed Virgin, Mother of God
An Overview of the Origins, Life, Assumption, and Miracles of Mary
Sep 10, 2009
Of the many persons in the Bible who were close to Jesus, Mary receives a relativity small percentage of space devoted to her. Despite having few verses dedicated to her, Mary has become one of the most important people in history. Shrines and entire cathedrals have been built dedicated to her memory and her virtues. Pilgrimages that cover thousands of miles have been made on her behalf. But what exactly is known about Mary? And why do so many people feel such a devotion to her?
Birth and Circumstances of Mary
Catholic doctrine states that Mary was conceived by immaculate conception, meaning that she was born without the stain of original sin.
Mary's immaculate conception should not be confused with the conception of Jesus. She was born to Saints Anne and Joachim. There are three suggested birth places of Mary: Jerusalem — the most probable — Bethlehem, and Sephoris, according to “Mary” A J Maas, in The Catholic Encyclopedia.
Mary's Personal Call to Holiness
The general consensus and teaching of the Roman Catholic Church is that Mary was presented at the temple and took a vow of virginity. Though only first-born male children were required to be presented in the temple, it was tradition among the more devout to present all of their children. Later, she was betrothed to Joseph, though the marriage was never consummated (though this, also, is a point of controversy – some believe the marriage was consummated after Jesus' birth).
At this point, in the Bible, the Archangel Gabriel appears to Mary in order to inform her that the Holy Spirit would descend upon her and she would bear a son. Arguments over adoration usually encompass these two points among others: her cousin Elizabeth calling her the Mother of God and Jesus’ fulfillment of her desires at the wedding of Cana despite the fact that He said His time had not yet come.
Despite the arguments, it is clear from the Bible that Mary did bear Jesus and that she was one of many followers. She is recorded as being at present at his birth (obviously), presentation in the temple, Cana, during part of His ministry, and the Crucifixion. Tradition has her present at the Resurrection and Ascension.
Assumption of Mary
Doctrine holds that Mary did not die a physical death but was raised into heaven, an event that is called the Assumption.
The glorification of Mary has been a heated issue for centuries, theologians, philosophers, and academics arguing back and forth. St. Thomas Aquinas, one of the great theologians, rejected the Immaculate Conception. The issue has recently seen some closure with Pope Benedict XV’s writings, the declaration of the Immaculate Conception in 1854, and the declaration of the Assumption in 1950.
The closure has only taken place, however, within the Roman Catholic Church. There is still much controversy outside of the Church.
Worship vs. Prayer of Mary
As with the saints, Mary is not to be worshiped, just as Catholics are not encouraged to pray to saints. Religious individuals believe that Jesus alone is the way to salvation for all Christians.
Attitudes towards Mary, the apostles, the saints, and the prophets are a reflection of the person’s personality and beliefs, not a prerequisite for salvation.
Other Names and Feast Days
According to Rosemary Guiley's book "The Encyclopedia of Saints," Mary is known by literally hundreds of different titles, among them “Queen of Heaven,” “Queen of Angels,” “Queen of Martyrs,” and “Our Lady of the Americas.” She is referred to by 79 unique names alone in the “Litany to the Blessed Virgin.” She has been seen by saints and others throughout the ages and her common refrain is a request for humanity to make prayer a priority in their lives.
There are multiple Holy Days and Feast Days throughout the year dedicated to Mary, including those for the major events in her life. In addition, Saturday is considered “Mary’s day” of the week and May is “Mary’s month” of the year. There are also days dedicated to apparitions of her, such as the feast day of “Our Lady of Guadalupe” (Dec. 12) and the feast day of “Our Lady of Lourdes” (Feb. 11).
A Symbol of Faith
Despite the arguments and bitterness that often split Christians over the subject of Mary, it should be remembered that Christians believe she is the Mother of God. Mary is considered not only a saint, but the Blessed Virgin and the Mother of God by the Catholic Church. Despite her high status, she is not worshiped as God is and the statues are not to be "prayed to." They are simply a reminder of her presence in believers' hearts, much as the "building concept" of a steeple has become a reminder of God and the church. Or how simply a picture of a cross or of the Bible reminds Christians of Jesus.
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