Roman Catholicism: Mary

Roman Catholic Doctrine on the Virgin Mary
RELATED TOPICS	Mary (mother of Jesus) Theotokos Perpetual virginity of Mary Immaculate Conception Assumption of Mary Roman Catholicism: Co-Redemptrix Marian prayers
SERMONS, ESSAYS AND OPINIONS	* Immaculate Conception And The Church Fathers : Question and Answer (justforcatholics.org) Mary's perpetual virginity - a Coptic perspective (W. Hanna)
CONTENTS

Like other Christian denominations, the Roman Catholic Church teaches Mary, a virgin, was the mother of Jesus. Unlike many other denominations however, it also teaches that Mary was born without original sin (the Immaculate Conception) as well as other doctrines not usually accepted by other Christian denominations.

Marian Dogma

Theotokos

Theotokos is a Greek word and means "the one who gives birth to God". This doctrine was formulated by the Council of Ephesus in 431. The title "Mother of God" derives from this doctrine.

Perpetual virginity of Mary

This doctrine asserts that Mary stayed virgin during and after the birth of Jesus Christ. In catholic exegesis the "brothers and sisters" of Jesus which are mentioned in the gospels and the acts are therefore usually seen as cousins.

Immaculate Conception

This doctrine teaches that Mary was conceived without original sin, and was therefore sinless throughout her life.

Assumption of Mary

This teaches that because of her sinlessness, Mary never experienced a physical death – the result of sin. Instead, she was raised bodily into the presence of Christ. It was promulgated a dogma by Pope Pius XII in 1950.

Roman Catholicism: Co-Redemptrix

This doctrine is controversially discussed inside the church. Pope Benedict XVI as Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger stated that he is against an official proclamation of Mary as Coredemptrix.

It is unclear what is meant by this title. Within the limits of traditional Catholic doctrine it could mean that Mary through her positive response to God's grace cooperates in the redemption brought by Christ.

Hyperdulia - Special veneration

This teaching holds that because of her unparalleled role in salvation, Mary is worthy of special veneration and devotion. There are three specific terms of worship and veneration in Catholicism: latria – adoration that is due God alone, dulia – veneration afforded to the saints, and hyperdulia – special veneration given to Mary.

Marian apparitions

The Catholic church maintains that on certain occasions and in certain places Mary appears in visions. Such places include Lourdes, Fatima and Guadelupe. A catholic is not held to believe in such apparitions.

Links

• Wikipedia - Blessed Virgin Mary

---

Return to Christianity -> Denominations -> Roman Catholicism -> Roman Catholic Doctrine