📖Overview

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, The Blessed Virgin Mary holds a singular place in the Catholic faith as the Mother of God (Theotokos), the Mother of the Church, and the most pre-eminent member of the communion of saints. From all eternity, God chose Mary to be the Mother of His Son, and in view of the merits of Christ, she was preserved from all stain of original sin from the first moment of her conception (the Immaculate Conception). Mary gave her free consent to the divine plan at the Annunciation, saying, "Let it be done to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38). She conceived Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit, remaining a virgin before, during, and after the birth of Christ (her perpetual virginity). Mary is a model of faith and charity for the entire Church. She cooperated in a wholly singular way in the Savior's work of restoring supernatural life to souls. At the end of her earthly life, she was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory (the Assumption), a participation in her Son's Resurrection and an anticipation of the resurrection of other Christians. Mary's intercession continues in heaven; she is an advocate, helper, benefactress, and mediatrix, always subordinate to and dependent upon the one mediation of Christ. Devotion to Mary is intrinsic to Christian worship and is expressed through liturgical feasts, the Rosary, and other pious practices.

💡Key Points