1. The Blessed Virgin Mary: As seen in Vatican II’s Lumen Gentium Rev. Mark Augustine, S.T.L. Associate Pastor of Our Lady of Ransom Parish Niles, IL Presentation to: St. Joseph in Libertyville Parish May 21, 2015

2. The Century before Vatican II Marian Apparitions Marian Dogmas –Immaculate Conception (1854) –Assumption (1950) Growth in Devotion

3. Role of Vatican II What was the goal? How is that goal addressed? No new dogmas or doctrines would be proclaimed.

4. Summary of Lumen Gentium “By proclaiming his Gospel to every creature, it may bring all men that light of Christ which shines out visibly from the Church.” The Church is the spotless spouse of Christ Universal Call to Holiness

5. Chapter VIII – Our Lady Introduction (52-54) Mary’s Function (55-59) Mary & the Church (60-65) Cult of the Blessed Virgin (66- 67) Sign of Hope (68-69)

6. Introduction Expand on what already existed on Marian teachings. How does she relate to the Trinity? Mary is the pre-eminent member of the Church.

7. Plan of Salvation Her role was foreshadowed in the protoevangelium in Gen 3:15 Mary is one of the anawim The role of Mary’s fiat, everything hinges on this.

8. Mary devoted herself entirely to the will of God. Mary “pondered all these things in her heart” (Lk 2:41- 51). How is Mary truly “blessed among women”?

9. Blessed Virgin & the Church Her role is always rooted in the disposition of God. That role continues in heaven: –Advocate, Helper, Benefactress, Mediatrix, etc. Mary is a type of the Church.

10. Cult of Mary in the Church Second to her Son True devotion stems from a true faith –Authentic veneration of Mary leads one to proper worship of Christ.

11. Sign of True Hope Mary’s prayers are powerful, as are ours. We must learn to turn to Mary in faith, for she continues to pray for us.

12. Discussion Questions How do we relate to Mary today? How has our understanding of the Church changed? What about this understanding challenges us in our lives of faith?