Mary, Explained
In this 7 part course, hear from religious men and women and laypeople alike on the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in God's plan for salvation.
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1. Who is Mary?
Who is Mary? Do Catholics worship her? How she relevant to our growth in holiness? In this episode of Mary, Explained, we address and unpack these various themes. The voices of priests, women religious, and laypeople within our diocese in this series will help us to understand that because of her role in the Incarnation of Christ, she plays an incredibly unique role in God's plan of salvation. God chose to enter the world through her. The very body that was sacrificed on the Cross for our salvation was born and raised by a humble handmaiden from Nazareth. God chose her to be a conduit for the graces he so freely showers over us. She herself is not divine. Rather, she directs any attention she receives to the face of her Son.
2. Mother of God
From all eternity, Mary was predestined to be the Mother of God. Through her yes, God became man. By the power of the Holy Spirit, a virgin became a mother. What does it mean to say that Mary is the Mother of God? Are we calling her a goddess? How is she also our mother? In this episode of Mary, Explained, you will hear how this title sums up her entire being. Her vocation as mother is the spoke around which all of Mariology turns. Like any mom, Mary is devoted to her children. She knows what is best for us, and that is an intimate relationship with our Lord. Ask for her motherly intercession as you sojourn through this life. She will show you the way.
3. Immaculate Conception
What is the meaning of the Immaculate Conception? Why did God ordain for Mary to be created without sin? In this episode of Mary, Explained, learn how the dogma of the Immaculate Conception reveals the essential grace Mary was given to help accomplish God's plan in history. And follow Rachel on her journey of discovering Mary, the Immaculate Conception, in unexpected places.
4. Assumption
What is the Assumption? Why was Mary assumed body and soul into heaven? In this episode of Mary, Explained, learn how the dogma of Mary's Assumption reveals something about Jesus and about us.
5. Ever-Virgin
The Church has proclaimed up and down the centuries that Mary remained a virgin for her entire life. The clear scriptural evidence for this claim highlights Mary's purity and gives us reason to rejoice in the good work God has done through her. This episode of 'Mary, Explained' discusses what Mary's perpetual virginity means for salvation history and also what it means for our personal relationship with God. May we model Mary's pure "yes" to the Lord and accept his offer to be his bride.
6. Praying to Mary
Catholics are known for their devotions to the Blessed Mother. But is it appropriate to have a devotion to a mere human like Mary? Shouldn't prayer be reserved for God alone? In this installment of 'Mary, Explained' we share how devotions and prayers directed towards Our Lady is a good and holy practice. If the saints in Heaven are able to intercede on our behalf, then who is a better intercessor than the Mother of God? Considering opening up a line of communication with Mary. Once you do that, she will do what she always does: bring you to her Son.
7. Model Disciple
No human person has conformed their life to Christ more than Mary. Her obedience, docility, humility and joy serve as models for how we ought to respond when God calls us on mission. She also shows us that following Christ means that we will endure suffering at some point, whether it be physical, mental or spiritual. As she stood alongside her Son during his passion, a sword of sorrow pierced her soul. Sometimes it's watching those whom we love suffer that pains us the most. Yet, we are confident that we never suffer alone. She stands by us through our various trials. All we have to do is call on her.
