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well I reckon if a saint puts the prayer of worship to Mary in a book which has the imprimatur and a Pope includes it in his encyclical, that's pretty good evidence of Roman Catholic doctrine. - Lets look again
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[*]Prayer to the Blessed Virgin
- 18. It is therefore, a pleasure for us, a full century having passed since the Pontiff of immortal memory, Pius IX, solemnly proclaimed this singular privilege of the Virgin Mother of God, to summarize the whole doctrinal position and conclude in these words of the same Pontiff, asserting that this doctrine "vouched for in Sacred Scripture according to the interpretation of the Fathers, is handed down by them in so many of their important writings, is expressed and celebrated in so many illustrious monuments of renowned antiquity, and proposed and confirmed by the greatest and highest decision of the Church" (Bull Ineffabilis Deus), so that to pastors and faithful there is nothing "more sweet, nothing dearer than to worship, venerate, invoke and praise with ardent affection the Mother of God conceived without stain of original sin. (Ibidem.)
34. But let this holy city of Rome be the first to give the example, this city which from the earliest Christian era worshipped the heavenly mother, its patroness, with a special devotion. As all know, there are many sacred edifices here, in which she is proposed for the devotion of the Roman people; but the greatest without doubt is the Liberian Basilica [St. Mary Major], in which the mosaics of Our predecessor of pious memory, Sixtus III, still glisten, an outstanding monument to the Divine maternity of the Virgin Mary, and in which the "salvation of the Roman people" (Salus Populi Romani) benignly smiles.
Source:FULGENS CORONA,Encyclical Of Pope PIUS XII, September 8th, 1953.
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Catholic Heresy (for the record)
- Thread starter RoboOp
- Start date
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Yes you are right. Peter was not the leader of the church of Christ. He was a humble Apostle who had been taught by Jesus that to seek pre-eminence was a gross sin. He counted others better than himself
I really do not see what Peter has to do even with the primitive Roman church. History demonstrates that he was only in Rome a short while (if at all), under arrest and waiting to be executed. He had been in Babylon and elsewhere as, like a true Apostle, he continued his roving commission. If he had remained in Rome he would have disobeyed Christ.
<quote> Acts 1: Peter decides that Judas should be replaced. </quote>
This is a typical misunderstanding. He did not decide. He suggested it to the Apostles using sola scriptura and they all agreed. THEY put forward, THEY prayed. THEY cast lots. It was a joint effort.
<quote>Acts 2: Peter speaks to the crowds at Pentecost and converts thousands. </quote>
But the other eleven were proclaiming the truth in tongues, someone had to take the lead, and as we know Peter was impulsive. Peter didn't convert anyone, it was God by His Holy Spirit Who did it. Note How God wrote His word so as to diminish Peter's part, 'Peter standing with the eleven lifted up his voice and addressed them'. The message was from the eleven as well.
The people devoted themselves to the APOSTLES' teaching (not Peter's). Many wonders and signs were wrought through the APOSTLES. It was a joint effort.
<quote>Acts 3: Peter heals a lame man and again addresses the crowds.</quote>
Notice how the Roman Catholic church omits JOHN's presence. Peter and John acted TOGETHER. Peter was simply the best orator, not the leader.
<quote>Acts 4: Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, addresses the Jewish rulers, priests, and scribes. </quote>
Here we have a typical Roman Catholic exaltation of an individual. Who were speaking to the people? THEY were (4.1). Both Peter and John took part. And they were BOTH subsequently arrested. And before the tribunal 'they saw the boldness of PETER AND JOHN.' In verse 19 both Peter AND JOHN answered them. In verse 33 'with great power THE APOSTLES gave their testimony to the resurrection of Jesus Christ.' Only the Roman Catholics put the emphasis on Peter because of their false ideas about his connection with Rome. Luke puts no emphasis on Peter.
<quote> Acts 5: Peter speaks the death sentence upon Ananias and Sapphira.</quote>
Note that Ananias laid his gift at 'the APOSTLES' feet, not at Peter's feet.. Peter often acted as spokesman but he was NOT the leader. Peter did NOT speak the death sentence on Ananias. He simply rebuked him for what he had done. It was GOD Who passed the death sentence (on the other hand the Roman Catholics do seem to see Peter as God so who knows?)
What followed this was that many wonders and signs were done by the APOSTLES and they were all speaking in the Temple. Luke was not glorifying Peter. When all the Apostles were put in prison and were brought to trial it was 'Peter and all the Apostles' who gave answer. And in the Temple ALL THE APOSTLES preached and taught.
In 6.2 it was THE TWELVE who summoned 'the body of the disciples. See how Luke is avoiding glorifying Peter?
And suddenly Stephen has taken over. Is he now the leader of the Apostles? OF COURSE NOT His taking the lead does not make him the leader.
Then PHILIP takes over. Has he become leader? Of course not.
<quote> Acts 8: Peter rebukes Simon. </quote.
When THE APOSTLES heard what had happened THEY sent Peter and JOHN. The Apostles were in joint charge, not Peter. Luke is stressing the fact. Peter replied to Simon because Simon spoke to him, not because he was 'the leader'
<quote>Acts 9: Saul's conversion; Peter raises the dead and heals the paralyzed. </quote>
But as we have seen all the Apostles were constantly healing (2.43; 4.33; 5.12). . This is only mentioned so as to explain that Peter was visiting the churches of Judea and why he was in Joppa when Cornelius sent for him.. Surely any leader would stay in Jerusalem organising things? Clearly Peter was not needed.
<quote>Acts 10: Peter, at God's direct command, opens the door to the Gentiles. </quote>
He was called on because he was the one among the Apostles who was closest to hand.
<quote>Acts 11: The Judaizers came to Peter to complain. </quote>
Of course they did because they saw Peter as having infringed. LOL you do try it on.
<quote>Acts 12: Peter is arrested and saved by an angel. </quote>
And James was the first to be arrested. Maybe suggests HE was the leader?
<quote>Acts 15: Peter decides the issue at the Council of Jerusalem, and after he finishes speaking, "all the assembly kept silence." </quote>
Yes while Paul and Barnabas put their case. And you wonder why I call you dishonest? What does it say next (you always leave that out) It says JAMES stood up and gave the final decision. JAMES was in charge, not Peter.
So all you have 'proved' is that others took precedence to Peter. (If Peter was the acknowledged leader why were the disciples discussing who was the greatest?)
I really do not see what Peter has to do even with the primitive Roman church. History demonstrates that he was only in Rome a short while (if at all), under arrest and waiting to be executed. He had been in Babylon and elsewhere as, like a true Apostle, he continued his roving commission. If he had remained in Rome he would have disobeyed Christ.
<quote> Acts 1: Peter decides that Judas should be replaced. </quote>
This is a typical misunderstanding. He did not decide. He suggested it to the Apostles using sola scriptura and they all agreed. THEY put forward, THEY prayed. THEY cast lots. It was a joint effort.
<quote>Acts 2: Peter speaks to the crowds at Pentecost and converts thousands. </quote>
But the other eleven were proclaiming the truth in tongues, someone had to take the lead, and as we know Peter was impulsive. Peter didn't convert anyone, it was God by His Holy Spirit Who did it. Note How God wrote His word so as to diminish Peter's part, 'Peter standing with the eleven lifted up his voice and addressed them'. The message was from the eleven as well.
The people devoted themselves to the APOSTLES' teaching (not Peter's). Many wonders and signs were wrought through the APOSTLES. It was a joint effort.
<quote>Acts 3: Peter heals a lame man and again addresses the crowds.</quote>
Notice how the Roman Catholic church omits JOHN's presence. Peter and John acted TOGETHER. Peter was simply the best orator, not the leader.
<quote>Acts 4: Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, addresses the Jewish rulers, priests, and scribes. </quote>
Here we have a typical Roman Catholic exaltation of an individual. Who were speaking to the people? THEY were (4.1). Both Peter and John took part. And they were BOTH subsequently arrested. And before the tribunal 'they saw the boldness of PETER AND JOHN.' In verse 19 both Peter AND JOHN answered them. In verse 33 'with great power THE APOSTLES gave their testimony to the resurrection of Jesus Christ.' Only the Roman Catholics put the emphasis on Peter because of their false ideas about his connection with Rome. Luke puts no emphasis on Peter.
<quote> Acts 5: Peter speaks the death sentence upon Ananias and Sapphira.</quote>
Note that Ananias laid his gift at 'the APOSTLES' feet, not at Peter's feet.. Peter often acted as spokesman but he was NOT the leader. Peter did NOT speak the death sentence on Ananias. He simply rebuked him for what he had done. It was GOD Who passed the death sentence (on the other hand the Roman Catholics do seem to see Peter as God so who knows?)
What followed this was that many wonders and signs were done by the APOSTLES and they were all speaking in the Temple. Luke was not glorifying Peter. When all the Apostles were put in prison and were brought to trial it was 'Peter and all the Apostles' who gave answer. And in the Temple ALL THE APOSTLES preached and taught.
In 6.2 it was THE TWELVE who summoned 'the body of the disciples. See how Luke is avoiding glorifying Peter?
And suddenly Stephen has taken over. Is he now the leader of the Apostles? OF COURSE NOT His taking the lead does not make him the leader.
Then PHILIP takes over. Has he become leader? Of course not.
<quote> Acts 8: Peter rebukes Simon. </quote.
When THE APOSTLES heard what had happened THEY sent Peter and JOHN. The Apostles were in joint charge, not Peter. Luke is stressing the fact. Peter replied to Simon because Simon spoke to him, not because he was 'the leader'
<quote>Acts 9: Saul's conversion; Peter raises the dead and heals the paralyzed. </quote>
But as we have seen all the Apostles were constantly healing (2.43; 4.33; 5.12). . This is only mentioned so as to explain that Peter was visiting the churches of Judea and why he was in Joppa when Cornelius sent for him.. Surely any leader would stay in Jerusalem organising things? Clearly Peter was not needed.
<quote>Acts 10: Peter, at God's direct command, opens the door to the Gentiles. </quote>
He was called on because he was the one among the Apostles who was closest to hand.
<quote>Acts 11: The Judaizers came to Peter to complain. </quote>
Of course they did because they saw Peter as having infringed. LOL you do try it on.
<quote>Acts 12: Peter is arrested and saved by an angel. </quote>
And James was the first to be arrested. Maybe suggests HE was the leader?
<quote>Acts 15: Peter decides the issue at the Council of Jerusalem, and after he finishes speaking, "all the assembly kept silence." </quote>
Yes while Paul and Barnabas put their case. And you wonder why I call you dishonest? What does it say next (you always leave that out) It says JAMES stood up and gave the final decision. JAMES was in charge, not Peter.
So all you have 'proved' is that others took precedence to Peter. (If Peter was the acknowledged leader why were the disciples discussing who was the greatest?)
Woes to Scribes and Pharisees
…8"But do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers. 9"Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. 10"Do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, that is, Christ.…
Do not make graven images, show me where it says to pray " Hail Mary " I know half of it is said in scripture that you guys turned into a prayer, where's the other half come from ? It's not biblical .... Show me where it says to worship along side muslims " and their god ". Show me where it says to have big gold ceiling on churches and let the homeless sleep in the ally ways along side them...
…8"But do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers. 9"Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. 10"Do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, that is, Christ.…
Do not make graven images, show me where it says to pray " Hail Mary " I know half of it is said in scripture that you guys turned into a prayer, where's the other half come from ? It's not biblical .... Show me where it says to worship along side muslims " and their god ". Show me where it says to have big gold ceiling on churches and let the homeless sleep in the ally ways along side them...
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M
Well you are in a lot of company, but that does not make it good!
The conversation between peter and Jesus was Aramaic as the working language of common people , in which no such distinction of Petra and petros exists, so peter was the rock on which he built the church. The distinction of gender for effect by the later translation into greek.
Not surprising , since the " keys" are a direct unambiguous reference back to the office of steward in a davidic kingdom. And God has always had a leader on earth, Abraham, Moses etc.
Your interpretation does not make syntactic sense either, changing the subject mid sentence without reference, nor logical sense that Jesus should call simon rock, then use the same word of himself in the same sentence, nor does your version even make historic sense , by virtue of the location by a rock platform in Caesarea Phillipi on which a pagan temple was built - the actual contrast
If I asked a group of kids to read it, and asked who or what did Jesus build his church on, they would say peter too, just as they would say Mary of the woman of revelations 12
In short, that Petra petros argument is just another Protestant fudge to avoid the blindingly obvious meaning, they could not care what it means, so long as it is not the catholic meaning!
But you are not in good company since Luther and Calvin thought peter was special, but the historical amnesia of Protestantism, not only forgets the history of early Christianity and scripture but also forgets even what reformationists thought! - which was arguments about succession, not this.
No doubt the same anti catholic tosh will be repeated in one or two posts time as always.
The conversation between peter and Jesus was Aramaic as the working language of common people , in which no such distinction of Petra and petros exists, so peter was the rock on which he built the church. The distinction of gender for effect by the later translation into greek.
Not surprising , since the " keys" are a direct unambiguous reference back to the office of steward in a davidic kingdom. And God has always had a leader on earth, Abraham, Moses etc.
Your interpretation does not make syntactic sense either, changing the subject mid sentence without reference, nor logical sense that Jesus should call simon rock, then use the same word of himself in the same sentence, nor does your version even make historic sense , by virtue of the location by a rock platform in Caesarea Phillipi on which a pagan temple was built - the actual contrast
If I asked a group of kids to read it, and asked who or what did Jesus build his church on, they would say peter too, just as they would say Mary of the woman of revelations 12
In short, that Petra petros argument is just another Protestant fudge to avoid the blindingly obvious meaning, they could not care what it means, so long as it is not the catholic meaning!
But you are not in good company since Luther and Calvin thought peter was special, but the historical amnesia of Protestantism, not only forgets the history of early Christianity and scripture but also forgets even what reformationists thought! - which was arguments about succession, not this.
No doubt the same anti catholic tosh will be repeated in one or two posts time as always.
M
You can reckon all you like and you are wrong. Unless it forms part of the catechism, or part of an ex cathedra pronouncement is not catholic doctrine and fallible. And the prayers of some do not make binding doctrine whoever they are.
As for the rest of your misrepresentation, there are two seperate words in latin mistranslated as worship.
veneratio and adoratio- veneration due to saints, and adoration due to God
which are latria/dulia in Greek.
And in each of the case in the original it is venerate not worship. Indeed the repetition you use "worship and venerate"
is simply not there in the papal Bull. it is venerate. A malicious invention of an anticatholic ranter. You?
We venerate mary we do not worship her.
You are WRONG AGAIN .period.
Valiant, forget catholicism. Look at the foundation of straw in your own faith.
Just like you Wyclif was a nightmare. He made the false error of sola scriptura.
He decided "private interpretation was OK", ignored what those close to the apostles were taught, so paid no heed to church fathers, so ditched such as bishops with no proper foundation, ditched the eucharist because he could not explain it in his limited imagination, in short he wanted to redefine christianity nothing like the early church, which was wholly contrary to his teaching. Thank goodness it died out.
At least Luther had the honesty to admit he got it wrong in his later years, saying it was the greatest scandal, that there were as many doctrines as heads, saying the only way back was catholic councils.
As for the rest of your misrepresentation, there are two seperate words in latin mistranslated as worship.
veneratio and adoratio- veneration due to saints, and adoration due to God
which are latria/dulia in Greek.
And in each of the case in the original it is venerate not worship. Indeed the repetition you use "worship and venerate"
is simply not there in the papal Bull. it is venerate. A malicious invention of an anticatholic ranter. You?
We venerate mary we do not worship her.
You are WRONG AGAIN .period.
Valiant, forget catholicism. Look at the foundation of straw in your own faith.
Just like you Wyclif was a nightmare. He made the false error of sola scriptura.
He decided "private interpretation was OK", ignored what those close to the apostles were taught, so paid no heed to church fathers, so ditched such as bishops with no proper foundation, ditched the eucharist because he could not explain it in his limited imagination, in short he wanted to redefine christianity nothing like the early church, which was wholly contrary to his teaching. Thank goodness it died out.
At least Luther had the honesty to admit he got it wrong in his later years, saying it was the greatest scandal, that there were as many doctrines as heads, saying the only way back was catholic councils.
Umm, actually to be completely honest, since I really don't know you. Id contact your most local Orthodox Priest and get a recommendation there. You would probably enjoy The Didache, early church writings almost considered Biblical canon. I've read bits and pieces of The Philakalia Vol.1 (4th - 15th century) which is also very good.
Most Holy and Immaculate Virgin! O my Mother! Thou who art the Mother of my Lord, the Queen of the world, the advocate, hope, and refuge of sinners! I, the most wretched among them, now come to thee. I worship thee, great Queen, and give thee thanks for the many favors thou hast bestowed on my in the past; most of all do I thank thee for having saved me from hell, which I had so often deserved. I love thee, Lady most worthy of all love, and, by the love which I bear thee, I promise ever in the future to serve thee, and to do what in me lies to win others to thy love. In thee I put all my trust, all my hope of salvation.
M
Start at the beginning why not? The earliest writings are mainly letters but they give a fascinating insight into the church. Those of the generation of Polycarp, such as Ignatius were actually taught by the apostles, indeed refer to such as Paul.
See here for example EPISTLES
Take just one letter ignatius to the smyrneans (polycarps diocese) (two paragraphs below)
Which confirms belief that the eucharist is the flesh...and it is heresy to think otherwise.
That to be valid it must be performed by a bishop.
I enclose a couple of paragraphs below -
RCC did not invent this stuff. The early church was liturgical (eg didache) sacramental, bishops and so on, as demonstrated by what the fathers say, and they were taught by the apostles..
So irenaus, ignatius, polycarp , justin martyr are some of the first. Later fathers, the sermons too are fascinating, explaining links between OT and NT in ways few consider.
CHAPTER VII.--LET US STAND ALOOF FROM SUCH HERETICS.
They abstain from the Eucharist and from prayer, because they confess not the Eucharist to be the flesh of our Saviour Jesus Christ, which suffered for our sins, and which the Father, of His goodness, raised up again. Those, therefore, who speak against this gift of God, incur death in the midst of their disputes. But it were better for them to treat it with respect, that they also might rise again. It is fitting, therefore, that ye should keep aloof from such persons, and not to speak of them either in private or in public, but to give heed to the prophets, and above all, to the Gospel, in which the passion [of Christ] has been revealed to us, and the resurrection has been fully proved. But avoid all divisions, as the beginning of evils.
CHAPTER VIII.--LET NOTHING BE DONE WITHOUT THE BISHOP.
See that ye all follow the bishop, even as Jesus Christ does the Father, and the presbytery as ye would the apostles; and reverence the deacons, as being the institution of God. Let no man do anything connected with the Church without the bishop. Let that be deemed a proper Eucharist, which is [administered] either by the bishop, or by one to whom he has entrusted it. Wherever the bishop shall appear, there let the multitude [of the people] also be; even as, wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church. It is not lawful without the bishop either to baptize or to celebrate a love-feast; but whatsoever he shall approve of, that is also pleasing to God, so that everything that is done may be secure and valid.
I have to go for a few days. God bless all.
See here for example EPISTLES
Take just one letter ignatius to the smyrneans (polycarps diocese) (two paragraphs below)
Which confirms belief that the eucharist is the flesh...and it is heresy to think otherwise.
That to be valid it must be performed by a bishop.
I enclose a couple of paragraphs below -
RCC did not invent this stuff. The early church was liturgical (eg didache) sacramental, bishops and so on, as demonstrated by what the fathers say, and they were taught by the apostles..
So irenaus, ignatius, polycarp , justin martyr are some of the first. Later fathers, the sermons too are fascinating, explaining links between OT and NT in ways few consider.
CHAPTER VII.--LET US STAND ALOOF FROM SUCH HERETICS.
They abstain from the Eucharist and from prayer, because they confess not the Eucharist to be the flesh of our Saviour Jesus Christ, which suffered for our sins, and which the Father, of His goodness, raised up again. Those, therefore, who speak against this gift of God, incur death in the midst of their disputes. But it were better for them to treat it with respect, that they also might rise again. It is fitting, therefore, that ye should keep aloof from such persons, and not to speak of them either in private or in public, but to give heed to the prophets, and above all, to the Gospel, in which the passion [of Christ] has been revealed to us, and the resurrection has been fully proved. But avoid all divisions, as the beginning of evils.
CHAPTER VIII.--LET NOTHING BE DONE WITHOUT THE BISHOP.
See that ye all follow the bishop, even as Jesus Christ does the Father, and the presbytery as ye would the apostles; and reverence the deacons, as being the institution of God. Let no man do anything connected with the Church without the bishop. Let that be deemed a proper Eucharist, which is [administered] either by the bishop, or by one to whom he has entrusted it. Wherever the bishop shall appear, there let the multitude [of the people] also be; even as, wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church. It is not lawful without the bishop either to baptize or to celebrate a love-feast; but whatsoever he shall approve of, that is also pleasing to God, so that everything that is done may be secure and valid.
I have to go for a few days. God bless all.
Wholly united with her Son . . .
964 Mary's role in the Church is inseparable from her union with Christ and flows directly from it. "This union of the mother with the Son in the work of salvation is made manifest from the time of Christ's virginal conception up to his death";[SUP]504[/SUP] it is made manifest above all at the hour of his Passion:
Is Mary has a role in the Church? Jesus has a role in the church is a leader, that direct the church, what about Mary?
Thus the Blessed Virgin advanced in her pilgrimage of faith, and faithfully persevered in her union with her Son unto the cross. There she stood, in keeping with the divine plan, enduring with her only begotten Son the intensity of his suffering, joining herself with his sacrifice in her mother's heart, and lovingly consenting to the immolation of this victim, born of her: to be given, by the same Christ Jesus dying on the cross, as a mother to his disciple, with these words: "Woman, behold your son."[SUP]505[/SUP]
965 After her Son's Ascension, Mary "aided the beginnings of the Church by her prayers."[SUP]506[/SUP] In her association with the apostles and several women, "we also see Mary by her prayers imploring the gift of the Spirit, who had already overshadowed her in the Annunciation."[SUP]507[/SUP]
. . . also in her Assumption
966 "Finally the Immaculate Virgin, preserved free from all stain of original sin, when the course of her earthly life was finished, was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory, and exalted by the Lord as Queen over all things,
Did Mary queen of all things? What it mean, is she has a power like Queen to all things?
What is her power, to promise whoever die wear Scapular will not go g hell?
so that she might be the more fully conformed to her Son, the Lord of lords and conqueror of sin and death."[SUP]508[/SUP] The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin is a singular participation in her Son's Resurrection and an anticipation of the resurrection of other Christians:
In giving birth you kept your virginity; in your Dormition you did not leave the world, O Mother of God, but were joined to the source of Life. You conceived the living God and, by your prayers, will deliver our souls from death.[SUP]509[/SUP]
. . . she is our Mother in the order of grace
967 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. Thus she is a "preeminent and . . . wholly unique member of the Church"; indeed, she is the "exemplary realization" (typus)[SUP]510[/SUP] of the Church.
968 Her role in relation to the Church and to all humanity goes still further. "In a wholly singular way she cooperated by her obedience, faith, hope, and burning charity in the Savior's work of restoring supernatural life to souls. For this reason she is a mother to us in the order of grace."[SUP]511[/SUP]
969 "This motherhood of Mary in the order of grace continues uninterruptedly from the consent which she loyally gave at the Annunciation and which she sustained without wavering beneath the cross, until the eternal fulfillment of all the elect. Taken up to heaven she did not lay aside this saving office but by her manifold intercession continues to bring us the gifts of eternal salvation . . . . Therefore the Blessed Virgin is invoked in the Church under the titles of Advocate, Helper, Benefactress, and Mediatrix."[SUP]512[/SUP]
970 "Mary's function as mother of men in no way obscures or diminishes this unique mediation of Christ, but rather shows its power. But the Blessed Virgin's salutary influence on men . . . flows forth from the superabundance of the merits of Christ, rests on his mediation, depends entirely on it, and draws all its power from it."[SUP]513[/SUP] "No creature could ever be counted along with the Incarnate Word and Redeemer; but just as the priesthood of Christ is shared in various ways both by his ministers and the faithful, and as the one goodness of God is radiated in different ways among his creatures, so also the unique mediation of the Redeemer does not exclude but rather gives rise to a manifold cooperation which is but a sharing in this one source."[SUP]514[/SUP]
* II. DEVOTION TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN
971 "All generations will call me blessed": "The Church's devotion to the Blessed Virgin is intrinsic to Christian worship."[SUP]515[/SUP] The Church rightly honors "the Blessed Virgin with special devotion. From the most ancient times the Blessed Virgin has been honored with the title of 'Mother of God,' to whose protection the faithful fly in all their dangers and needs. . . . This very special devotion . . . differs essentially from the adoration which is given to the incarnate Word and equally to the Father and the Holy Spirit, and greatly fosters this adoration."[SUP]516[/SUP] The liturgical feasts dedicated to the Mother of God and Marian prayer, such as the rosary, an "epitome of the whole Gospel," express this devotion to the Virgin Mary.[SUP]517[/SUP]
III. MARY - ESCHATOLOGICAL ICON OF THE CHURCH
972 After speaking of the Church, her origin, mission, and destiny, we can find no better way to conclude than by looking to Mary. In her we contemplate what the Church already is in her mystery on her own "pilgrimage of faith," and what she will be in the homeland at the end of her journey. There, "in the glory of the Most Holy and Undivided Trinity," "in the communion of all the saints,"[SUP]518[/SUP] the Church is awaited by the one she venerates as Mother of her Lord and as her own mother.
In the meantime the Mother of Jesus, in the glory which she possesses in body and soul in heaven, is the image and beginning of the Church as it is to be perfected in the world to come. Likewise she shines forth on earth until the day of the Lord shall come, a sign of certain hope and comfort to the pilgrim People of God.[SUP]519[/SUP]
IN BRIEF
973 By pronouncing her "fiat" at the Annunciation and giving her consent to the Incarnation, Mary was already collaborating with the whole work her Son was to accomplish. She is mother wherever he is Savior and head of the Mystical Body.
974 The Most Blessed Virgin Mary, when the course of her earthly life was completed, was taken up body and soul into the glory of heaven, where she already shares in the glory of her Son's Resurrection, anticipating the resurrection of all members of his Body.
975 "We believe that the Holy Mother of God, the new Eve, Mother of the Church, continues in heaven to exercise her maternal role on behalf of the members of Christ" (Paul VI, CPG § 15).
[HR][/HR]502 LG 53; cf. St. Augustine, De virg. 6
L 40,399.
964 Mary's role in the Church is inseparable from her union with Christ and flows directly from it. "This union of the mother with the Son in the work of salvation is made manifest from the time of Christ's virginal conception up to his death";[SUP]504[/SUP] it is made manifest above all at the hour of his Passion:
Is Mary has a role in the Church? Jesus has a role in the church is a leader, that direct the church, what about Mary?
Thus the Blessed Virgin advanced in her pilgrimage of faith, and faithfully persevered in her union with her Son unto the cross. There she stood, in keeping with the divine plan, enduring with her only begotten Son the intensity of his suffering, joining herself with his sacrifice in her mother's heart, and lovingly consenting to the immolation of this victim, born of her: to be given, by the same Christ Jesus dying on the cross, as a mother to his disciple, with these words: "Woman, behold your son."[SUP]505[/SUP]
965 After her Son's Ascension, Mary "aided the beginnings of the Church by her prayers."[SUP]506[/SUP] In her association with the apostles and several women, "we also see Mary by her prayers imploring the gift of the Spirit, who had already overshadowed her in the Annunciation."[SUP]507[/SUP]
. . . also in her Assumption
966 "Finally the Immaculate Virgin, preserved free from all stain of original sin, when the course of her earthly life was finished, was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory, and exalted by the Lord as Queen over all things,
Did Mary queen of all things? What it mean, is she has a power like Queen to all things?
What is her power, to promise whoever die wear Scapular will not go g hell?
so that she might be the more fully conformed to her Son, the Lord of lords and conqueror of sin and death."[SUP]508[/SUP] The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin is a singular participation in her Son's Resurrection and an anticipation of the resurrection of other Christians:
In giving birth you kept your virginity; in your Dormition you did not leave the world, O Mother of God, but were joined to the source of Life. You conceived the living God and, by your prayers, will deliver our souls from death.[SUP]509[/SUP]
. . . she is our Mother in the order of grace
967 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. Thus she is a "preeminent and . . . wholly unique member of the Church"; indeed, she is the "exemplary realization" (typus)[SUP]510[/SUP] of the Church.
968 Her role in relation to the Church and to all humanity goes still further. "In a wholly singular way she cooperated by her obedience, faith, hope, and burning charity in the Savior's work of restoring supernatural life to souls. For this reason she is a mother to us in the order of grace."[SUP]511[/SUP]
969 "This motherhood of Mary in the order of grace continues uninterruptedly from the consent which she loyally gave at the Annunciation and which she sustained without wavering beneath the cross, until the eternal fulfillment of all the elect. Taken up to heaven she did not lay aside this saving office but by her manifold intercession continues to bring us the gifts of eternal salvation . . . . Therefore the Blessed Virgin is invoked in the Church under the titles of Advocate, Helper, Benefactress, and Mediatrix."[SUP]512[/SUP]
970 "Mary's function as mother of men in no way obscures or diminishes this unique mediation of Christ, but rather shows its power. But the Blessed Virgin's salutary influence on men . . . flows forth from the superabundance of the merits of Christ, rests on his mediation, depends entirely on it, and draws all its power from it."[SUP]513[/SUP] "No creature could ever be counted along with the Incarnate Word and Redeemer; but just as the priesthood of Christ is shared in various ways both by his ministers and the faithful, and as the one goodness of God is radiated in different ways among his creatures, so also the unique mediation of the Redeemer does not exclude but rather gives rise to a manifold cooperation which is but a sharing in this one source."[SUP]514[/SUP]
* II. DEVOTION TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN
971 "All generations will call me blessed": "The Church's devotion to the Blessed Virgin is intrinsic to Christian worship."[SUP]515[/SUP] The Church rightly honors "the Blessed Virgin with special devotion. From the most ancient times the Blessed Virgin has been honored with the title of 'Mother of God,' to whose protection the faithful fly in all their dangers and needs. . . . This very special devotion . . . differs essentially from the adoration which is given to the incarnate Word and equally to the Father and the Holy Spirit, and greatly fosters this adoration."[SUP]516[/SUP] The liturgical feasts dedicated to the Mother of God and Marian prayer, such as the rosary, an "epitome of the whole Gospel," express this devotion to the Virgin Mary.[SUP]517[/SUP]
III. MARY - ESCHATOLOGICAL ICON OF THE CHURCH
972 After speaking of the Church, her origin, mission, and destiny, we can find no better way to conclude than by looking to Mary. In her we contemplate what the Church already is in her mystery on her own "pilgrimage of faith," and what she will be in the homeland at the end of her journey. There, "in the glory of the Most Holy and Undivided Trinity," "in the communion of all the saints,"[SUP]518[/SUP] the Church is awaited by the one she venerates as Mother of her Lord and as her own mother.
In the meantime the Mother of Jesus, in the glory which she possesses in body and soul in heaven, is the image and beginning of the Church as it is to be perfected in the world to come. Likewise she shines forth on earth until the day of the Lord shall come, a sign of certain hope and comfort to the pilgrim People of God.[SUP]519[/SUP]
IN BRIEF
973 By pronouncing her "fiat" at the Annunciation and giving her consent to the Incarnation, Mary was already collaborating with the whole work her Son was to accomplish. She is mother wherever he is Savior and head of the Mystical Body.
974 The Most Blessed Virgin Mary, when the course of her earthly life was completed, was taken up body and soul into the glory of heaven, where she already shares in the glory of her Son's Resurrection, anticipating the resurrection of all members of his Body.
975 "We believe that the Holy Mother of God, the new Eve, Mother of the Church, continues in heaven to exercise her maternal role on behalf of the members of Christ" (Paul VI, CPG § 15).
[HR][/HR]502 LG 53; cf. St. Augustine, De virg. 6
L 40,399.