Virgin Mary

Mary in Scripture and Devotion

Although Mary is mentioned in all four canonical gospels, only the gospel of Luke presents a detailed portrait of Mary. The relative silence of the other four evangelists is the reason often cited for the ambivalence with which Mary is regarded in many Christian traditions. However, the biblical accounts allude to her intercessory role, her mercy, and her virginity. The remaining details of her earthly life have been supplemented by noncanonical writings and apocryphal texts.

Although traditional theology holds that Mary's honor is due to her willingness to submit to God's will, popular piety has traditionally portrayed Mary as a powerful advocate and influential figure in the heavenly court. From as early as the 4th century, Christians invoked Mary as an advocate and protectress. Although neither role is explicitly biblical, both have scriptural basis: Mary is an advocate because the crucified Christ gave her as a mother to his beloved disciple; she is an intercessor, as she successfully asked her son to transform water into wine at the wedding of Cana.

Both Marian roles have remained popular throughout history. Marian shrines such as Lourdes and Fatima are resplendent with signs of miraculous healing. In some societies, particularly in Latin American cultures, it is common for supplicants to place small charms known as milagros either to seek the Virgin's intercession or, later, for favors obtained.

Mary in Theology and Dialogue

The Roman Catholic Church recognizes four Marian dogmas: her perpetual virginity, her role as the Mother of God (Theotokos), her Immaculate Conception, and her bodily Assumption into heaven. Each of these dogmas deals as much with the person of Christ as with his mother. Mary's title of Theotokos, confirmed by the council of Ephesus in 431 C.E., emphasized that Christ was both fully human and fully divine from the [Page 1523]moment of conception. The 553 council of Constantinople referred to Mary as aeiparthenos, or “ever-virgin.” The two Marian dogmas that were defined in the modern world, her Immaculate Conception, or being conceived without original sin (1854), and her Assumption, or bodily presence in heaven (1950), were both discussed as early as the fourth century and debated throughout the Middle Ages.

A so-called fifth dogma, the idea of Mary as co-redemptrix, has been debated in Catholic circles. This has never been made part of the official teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.

One of the prayers most frequently associated with the Virgin Mary is the Magnificat, which praises God for raising the humble and feeding the poor while casting the mighty from their thrones and sending the rich away empty. That this prayer advocated social transformation has been seen as the basis for Mary's role in dialogue and in liberation theology. Together with her title “Queen of Peace” and her role in advocating for her children, this has made the Virgin the focus of dialogue and transformation.

...