Introduction
Mary, the Mother of Jesus, holds a special place in the heart of Catholics. While she isn’t worshiped—only God deserves worship—she is venerated as the Queen of Heaven and the Mother of the Church. The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that “Mary’s role in the Church is inseparable from her union with Christ and flows directly from it” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 964).
Here are seven powerful reasons why Catholics are so devoted to Mary.
She Is the Mother of God (Theotokos)
One of the earliest and most important beliefs about Mary is that she is Theotokos, which in Greek means “God-bearer” or “Mother of God.” This term was formally defined at the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD, affirming that Mary gave birth to Jesus Christ, who is fully God and fully man.
When the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, he said: “Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus” (Luke 1:31). The title “Mother of God” is not to say that Mary existed before God or is the source of God, but rather that she gave birth to Jesus, who is God incarnate.
Mary’s “Yes” Made Our Salvation Possible
Mary’s “yes” to God’s plan—often called her “Fiat” (Latin for “let it be”)—was essential for the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. When the angel Gabriel visited her, Mary answered, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38).
Her willingness to cooperate fully with God’s grace is a model for all Christians. She gave her consent freely and paved the way for the Savior to enter the world.
Mary Is the New Eve
In Catholic Tradition, Mary is often called the “New Eve.” Just as Eve is the mother of all living humans, Mary is the spiritual mother of all those who are reborn in Christ.
St. Paul says, “For just as in Adam all die, so too in Christ shall all be brought to life” (1 Corinthians 15:22). While Eve’s disobedience led to the fall, Mary’s obedience contributed to the redemption of humanity. This concept is deeply rooted in the tradition of the Church, though it is not formally defined doctrine.
She Is the Mother of the Church
After Jesus, Mary is the most perfect of all creatures. She was assumed body and soul into Heaven and was crowned as Queen. The Catechism tells us that she is “clearly the mother of the members of Christ … since she has by her charity joined in bringing about the birth of believers in the Church, who are members of its head” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 963).
On the cross, when Jesus said to John, “Behold, your mother” (John 19:27), he was not just entrusting Mary to John, but also giving her as a mother to all believers.
Mary’s Intercessory Role
Mary has a unique role as an intercessor in Heaven. As the Catechism puts it, “Being assumed into heaven, she did not lay aside this saving office but by her manifold intercession continues to bring us the gifts of eternal salvation” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 969).
While Jesus Christ is the sole mediator between God and man, Mary’s intercession is seen as an extension of her maternal love, where she intercedes for her children on earth.
Devotion to Mary Leads Us Closer to Jesus
Marian devotions are not an end unto themselves but aim to bring us closer to Christ. Pope Paul VI wrote that “Mary is the path that leads to Christ” and so any genuine devotion to Mary will naturally result in a deeper relationship with Jesus.
The Rosary, one of the most popular Marian devotions, is inherently Christocentric. While meditating on the mysteries, we are contemplating episodes in the lives of both Jesus and Mary, bringing us closer to understanding the fullness of God’s plan for salvation.
She Is a Model of Virtue and Holiness
Mary embodies all the virtues: she is humble, patient, and full of grace. The Church traditionally recognizes Mary as the “highest honor of our race,” and she is often cited as the perfect model for Christian living.
The Catechism mentions that “By her complete adherence to the Father’s will, to his Son’s redemptive work, and to every prompting of the Holy Spirit, the Virgin Mary is the Church’s model of faith and charity” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 967).
Conclusion
The veneration of Mary has been a defining characteristic of Catholic spirituality for centuries. Mary is not just a historical figure but a living presence who continues to draw believers closer to her Son. The reasons for our devotion to her are deeply rooted in Scripture, Tradition, and the teachings of the Church. And as St. Louis de Montfort famously said, “To Jesus through Mary”—a sentiment that encapsulates the essence of Marian devotion.