Introduction
Statues often serve as symbols, capturing the essence of people, events, or ideals that have shaped our world. The Statue of Liberty, standing on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, is a universally recognized emblem of freedom and democracy. But did you know that there’s another statue, devoted to the Virgin Mary, that surpasses Lady Liberty in height?
In a world where size often equates with importance, the greater height of this Marian statue might be seen as a statement, a piece of art that asks us to contemplate the significance of the Virgin Mary in the lives of millions. But what does the Catholic Church have to say about Mary, and what is the role of such Marian statues in expressing or nurturing our faith?
The Importance of the Virgin Mary in Catholicism
The Virgin Mary holds a unique place in Catholic doctrine. The Church honors her as the Mother of God, teaching that Mary conceived Jesus through the Holy Spirit, giving birth to him while still a virgin. The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes Mary as “ever-virgin” (Paragraph 499), affirming her perpetual virginity before, during, and after the birth of Jesus.
It’s also Mary’s humility and unwavering faith that make her an exemplary model for all Christians. Scripture tells us of her unwavering obedience to God when the Angel Gabriel appeared to her, saying, “Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus” (Luke 1:31). Mary’s humble response was, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38).
Marian Devotion
Catholics don’t worship Mary, but we do venerate her, which is to show her great respect and honor. The Rosary, Marian feasts, and yes, statues, all serve as means to deepen our understanding of Christ through His mother. The Church teaches that “devotion to the Blessed Virgin is intrinsic to Christian worship” (Catechism, Paragraph 971).
The Role of Marian Statues
Statues and images have been a part of Christian tradition for centuries, serving as visual aids that inspire and help focus our prayers. In the case of Mary, they remind us of her virtues and the role she played in the salvation history. However, the Church is clear that statues are not objects of worship. The Catechism states, “The Christian veneration of images is not contrary to the first commandment which proscribes idols” (Paragraph 2132). Essentially, the statue is not an idol but a representation that directs our mind to the heavenly reality it signifies.
Why Size Matters, and Why It Doesn’t
The size of a statue can be seen as an expression of the importance or impact of what it represents. In the case of the aforementioned Marian statue surpassing the Statue of Liberty in height, one could see this as a testament to the immense impact of the Virgin Mary in the lives of the faithful and in the history of salvation.
However, the Church teaches that grandeur in religious art isn’t a necessity. In fact, it’s the inner significance and the ability to lead us to God that matters most. “The beauty of the images moves me to contemplation, as a meadow delights the eyes and subtly infuses the soul with the glory of God” (Catechism, Paragraph 1162).
The Universal and the Particular
It’s important to note that while the Church universally upholds the importance of the Virgin Mary, the practice of erecting statues and the particular devotion to specific forms of Marian statues may vary from culture to culture. This is a theological opinion rather than a universal teaching. The Church accommodates a diversity of cultural expressions in its universal call to honor the Virgin Mary.
Conclusion
So, the next time you hear about this towering statue of the Virgin Mary, perhaps you’ll pause and consider not just its size, but its significance. Mary, the humble handmaiden elevated to the Mother of God, holds a unique position in the Catholic Church and serves as a model of virtue for all of us. Marian statues, regardless of their size, are there to guide us in our journey of faith, helping us to better know and love her Son, Jesus Christ.