Mary in the Liturgy – Mariology Without Apology: A Masterclass in Mariology No. 16a
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Join Dr. Mark Miravalle and Dr. Robert Fastiggi as they examine the rich tradition and present celebrations of Our Lady in the Church's Liturgy.
Drs. Mark Miravalle and Robert Fastiggi present a detailed Masterclass in Mariology, focusing on Mary’s profound role in Catholic liturgy and theology, aiming to deepen love for her through understanding. They begin by referencing St. Paul’s idea of being “co-workers with God” (1 Corinthians 3:9), extending this to Mary as the “supreme cooperatrix” with Christ, emphasizing her unique partnership in salvation. He introduces the principle “lex orandi, lex credendi”—“as we pray, so we believe”—rooted in Church tradition, showing how liturgy reflects doctrine, particularly Mary’s role as Mother of God, affirmed at Ephesus in 431 AD (CCC 975). Dr. Robert cites Vatican II’s Sacrosanctum Concilium #103, which describes Mary’s “inseparable bond” to Christ’s redemptive work, a bond Dr. Mark calls her “co-redemptrix” role—her participation at Calvary where Jesus says, “Behold your mother” (John 19:26-27), uniting her to humanity’s salvation.
He traces Marian liturgy’s history, starting with the ancient prayer Sub Tuum Praesidium (circa 250 AD), seeking Mary’s intercession, and moving to early feasts like the Annunciation (Luke 1:26-38), celebrated by the 4th century, and the Dormition, linked to her Assumption (CCC 966), evident by the 5th century. He notes the Immaculate Conception’s roots (CCC 491), tied to her miraculous conception by Joachim and Anne, later defined in 1854, and celebrated on December 8th, nine months before her Nativity on September 8th. He highlights miracles as integral to Catholic history, like the snow marking St. Mary Major’s site, and connects this to canonization miracles (CCC 828), showing Mary’s ongoing supernatural presence.
Discussing pre-Vatican II feasts, He lists the Purification (Luke 2:22-38), now the Presentation, and Our Lady of Sorrows, reflecting her seven sorrows (cf. 2 Maccabees 7), culminating at the cross (John 19:25). He praises the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary’s unity, a devotion from St. John Eudes, tied to Christ’s pierced side (John 19:34). Post-Vatican II, He explores solemnities like Mary, Mother of God (January 1st), linked to Christmas (Luke 2:7), and the Assumption (August 15th), plus feasts like the Visitation (Luke 1:39-56), where John leaps in Elizabeth’s womb, symbolizing Mary’s mediation (CCC 2677). The Guadalupe apparition (1531) underscores her as Mediatrix, echoing “I am your mother,” converting millions.
He emphasizes Mary as Mediatrix of All Graces, a doctrine supported by popes like Benedict XV and John Paul II, rooted in her role at Cana (John 2:1-11) and Calvary, distributing graces (CCC 969). The 1986 Marian Masses, approved by St. John Paul II, include “Mary at the Foot of the Cross,” portraying her as the New Eve (cf. Genesis 3:15), partnering with the New Adam, Christ, in redemption (CCC 411). He concludes with Ecclesia de Eucharistia, noting Mary’s presence at every Mass, offering Christ as Abraham offered Isaac (Genesis 22:9-12), a co-redemptive act (CCC 618), urging viewers to embrace this inseparable bond for deeper faith and love.
For Further Reading
1 Corinthians 3:9 - NAB - We are God’s co-workers - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1corinthians/3?9
John 19:26-27 - NAB - Jesus entrusts Mary to John - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/19?26
Luke 1:26-38 - NAB - The Annunciation to Mary - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/1?26
Luke 2:7 - NAB - Birth of Jesus - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/2?7
Luke 2:22-38 - NAB - Presentation in the Temple - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/2?22
Luke 1:39-56 - NAB - The Visitation - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/1?39
John 19:25 - NAB - Mary at the Cross - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/19?25
John 19:34 - NAB - Christ’s side pierced - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/19?34
John 2:1-11 - NAB - Wedding at Cana - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/2?1
Genesis 3:15 - NAB - Protoevangelium, enmity with serpent - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/genesis/3?15
Genesis 22:9-12 - NAB - Abraham’s offering of Isaac - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/genesis/22?9
2 Maccabees 7 - NAB - Martyrdom of seven sons - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2maccabees/7
Catechism of the Catholic Church #975 - Mary, Mother of God - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p1s2c3a9.htm#975
Note: An alternative format is http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/975.htm
Catechism of the Catholic Church #966 - Assumption of Mary - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p123a9p6.htm#966
Catechism of the Catholic Church #491 - Immaculate Conception - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p122a3p2.htm#491
Catechism of the Catholic Church #2677 - Mary’s Intercession - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p4s1c2a2.htm#2677
Catechism of the Catholic Church #969 - Mary as Mediatrix - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p123a9p6.htm#969
Catechism of the Catholic Church #411 - Mary as New Eve - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p1s2c1p7.htm#411
Catechism of the Catholic Church #618 - Co-Redemption - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p122a4p2.htm#618
Vatican - Lumen Gentium - Mary’s role in the Church - https://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19641121_lumen-gentium_en.html
Vatican - Sacrosanctum Concilium - Liturgy and doctrine - https://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19631204_sacrosanctum-concilium_en.html
Also on YouTube: https://youtu.be/FHYfbmDZUic
And on AirMaria.com with Audio and Transcript: https://airmaria.com/?p=105108
And on Mother of All Peoples channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDebp1VSfDw
For more information and resources:
- Site: http://www.motherofallpeoples.com/
- Email: mary@motherofallpeoples.com
Ave Maria!
+++ - MWOA 59 - 16a
