Mary—Mother of the Church

The New Eve

Annunciation— Hypostasis— The conception of Jesus within the Virgin Mary. This occurred with the Fiat. “Let it be done.” Mary willingly consented to becoming the mother of the Word Hypostasis— The complete and total union of God and Man. This occurred at the Annunciation, when Jesus was conceived within the Virgin Mary. In being fully God and fully man, Jesus had a body and a soul—He was like us in all ways but sin.

Hypostasis “Mary truly became the Mother of God by the human conception of the Son of God in her womb: ‘Mother of God, not that the nature of the Word or his divinity received the beginning of its existence from the holy Virgin, but that, since the holy body animated by a rational soul, which the Word of God united to himself according to the hypostasis, was born from her, the Word is said to be born according to the flesh.’” CCC #466

Adam and Eve Adam and Eve, through their disobedience lost for us Sanctifying Grace. As a result of their sin, we are left with weakness and easily being tempted to sin (concupiscence). The New Eve Mary was meant to be the new Ark of the Covenant. This meant that she had to be a worthy vessel to carry Christ. “Hail Mary, full of Grace.” Being filled with grace means that she was free from sin.

Mary, the New Eve. Since the very early ages of the Church, Mary was referred to as the “New Eve.” Eve means, “Mother of all the living.” In Genesis, Eve is the mother of humanity. Mary is the New Eve in that she is the NEW mother of all the LIVING. It is through Mary’s cooperation that salvation was won for all humanity. Her fiat brought forth, into this world, the Word of God. Without her consent, Jesus could not have been born—and thus Jesus could not have died for our sins.

Mary vs. Eve Eve: Mary: Formed from the rib of a man Immaculately conceived “I am the handmaid of the Lord.” (fiat) “She took some fruit and ate it.” (disobedient) Mother of the Church; “Woman behold your son.” Mother of all the living Remember the protoevangelium: “The LORD God said to the serpent: ‘…And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise you on the head, And you shall bruise him on the heel.” (Genesis 3:15)

Privileges Given to Mary

Immaculate Conception One of the four Marian Dogmas Meaning: Mary is born without Original Sin. The “splendor of an entirely unique holiness,” by which Mary is “enriched from the first instant of her conception” comes wholly from Christ. Mary is redeemed, in a more exalted fashion by reason of the merits of her Son. Through Christ, the Father blessed Mary more than any other created person—before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless before him (the Father), in love (CCC 492; cf. Eph 1:3-4). Mary is perfect, so that she could carry Jesus within her.

Mother of the Church On the cross, Christ gave Mary as a mother to His “beloved” disciple. This is significant because it is symbolic of Christ giving Mary to all of His followers as their mother; “I will not leave you as orphans (John 14:18).” Mary is the mother of Jesus (Theotokos—mother of God). Jesus is the Second Person of the Trinity (God). Jesus is also the Head of the Mystical Body of Christ, which any baptized person is made a member, as a Christian. THEREFORE, Mary is the mother of all Christians.

Ark of the NEW Covenant David Brings the Ark Mary visits Elizabeth David arose and went to bring up the ark (2 Sm 6:2). David said, “how can the ark of the LORD come to me (2 Sm 6:9)?” David was “leaping and dancing before the LORD (2 Sm 6:16).” “And the ark of the LORD remained in the house of Obededom the Gittite three months (2 Sm 6:11).” Mary visits Elizabeth “Mary arose and went” to visit Elizabeth (Lk 1:39). Elizabeth said, “And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me (Lk 1:43)?” “The babe in my womb leaped for joy (Lk 1:44).” “And Mary remained with her about three months (Lk 1:56).”

Levels of veneration Latria— Hyperdulia— Dulia— translates to “adore.” Adoration is reserved for God alone. Hyperdulia— Second highest level of devotion; reserved for Mary. Dulia— Lowest level of veneration; reserved for saints and angels.

Intercession Hail Mary Memorare Hail Holy Queen Rosary (given to St. Dominic in 1214 A.D.) Joyful Mysteries Glorious Mysteries Sorrowful Mysteries Luminous Mysteries (added in 2002 by St. JPII)

Joyful Mysteries The Annunciation The Visitation The Nativity The Presentation The Finding in the Temple

Glorious Mysteries The Resurrection The Ascension The Descent of the Holy Spirit The Assumption The Coronation

Sorrowful Mysteries The Agony in the Garden The Scourging at the Pillar The Crowning with Thorns The Carrying of the Cross The Crucifixion

The Luminous Mysteries The Baptism of Christ in the Jordan The Wedding Feast at Cana The Proclamation of the Kingdom The Transfiguration of Our Lord The Institution of the Holy Eucharist