1. Jesus Christ was born of the Virgin Mary 11 BAROCCI, Federico Fiori The Nativity 1597 Oil on canvas, 134 x 105 cm Museo del Prado, Madrid

2. Compendium of the Catechism 85. Why did the Son of God become man? 456-460 For us men and for our salvation, the Son of God became incarnate in the womb of the Virgin Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit. He did so to reconcile us sinners with God, to have us learn of God’s infinite love, to be our model of holiness and to make us “partakers of the divine nature” (2 Peter 1:4).

3. Introduction The Archangel Gabriel was sent as God’s messenger to announce to Mary that she had been chosen to be the Mother of God.  “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done unto me according to your word” (Luke 1: 38). At that precise instant the Incarnation of the Word took place. The Blessed Virgin is also our Mother. When Jesus was about to die on the cross He gave her to us as our Mother. Our heavenly mother looks after us and protects us just as our earthly mothers do. ANGELICO, Fra Nativity 1440-41 Fresco, 193 x 164 cm Convento di San Marco, Florence

4. Main ideas

5. 1. Mary is truly the Mother of God Mary conceived the body of Jesus, into which God infused the soul; and, at that very instant, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, the Word, was joined to that body. Thus, the Son of God became man without ceasing to be God. Mary carried Jesus Christ within her womb for nine months; she carried His body, His soul and His divinity until she gave birth to Him in Bethlehem. She is truly the Mother of God. BOUTS, Dieric the Elder Mary and Child c. 1465 Wood, 37,1 x 27,6 cm National Gallery, London

6. 2. Main dogmas and Marian privileges The greatest gift God bestowed on the Most Blessed Virgin Mary was choosing her to be His Mother. And, as she was to be His Mother, He filled her with grace and granted her extraordinary privileges.  The Immaculate Conception  Mary remained always a virgin  The Assumption  Co-redeemer, Queen of all creation, mother of the Church and Mediatrix of all graces.  She is our Mother. GRECO, El The Virgin of the Immaculate Conception 1608-13 Oil on canvas, 348 x 174,5 cm Museo de Santa Cruz, Toledo

7. 3. Mary is our Mother Because her divine Son is our brother, the “first-born among many brethren” (Romans 8: 29). Because Jesus Christ gave her to us as our mother: “Behold your mother” (John 19: 27). As our mother, she intercedes for us. She looks after us because we are her children and asks her divine Son for whatever is best for us. ANDREA DEL SARTO Virgin with Four Saints 1530 Panel, 308 x 208 cm Galleria Palatina (Palazzo Pitti), Florence

8. 4. Our behaviour as good sons and daughters of the Blessed Virgin A grateful son or daughter responds to a mother’s love not only in words, but by showing affection in little ways. We can show our love for her by being faithful to our Christian commitment to personal sanctity and by showing our affection and devotion to her through acts of piety. CRANACH, Lucas the Younger Christ Blessing the Children 1540s Oil on panel, 72 x 122 cm Private collection

9. Resolutions for Christian life

10. Resolutions to move forward How can you improve your devotion to Our Lady? You can start by greeting her on getting up in the mornings and before going to bed at night. Learn by heart the Hail Mary and the Hail Holy Queen.