As incredible as it may sound, the above phrase was seen on a bumper sticker several years ago. It represents a popular Catholic belief, centuries old, one that is ever growing throughout the world: that to get to Jesus, you must go through Mary.
“As we have access to the Eternal Father only through Jesus Christ, so we have access to Jesus Christ only through Mary. By thee we have access to the Son, blessed finder of grace, bearer of life, and mother of salvation …” -- St. Bernard |
“An additional doctrine of Mary believed by many Catholics, but not yet formalized by the Pope, is that of Mary as Coredemptrix. This title indicates that Mary participated in some way in Christ's redemption of mankind. At its simplest, this doctrine is based on Mary's free acceptance of her opportunity to give birth to the Savior, as indicated by her reply, "May it be unto me as you have said" (Lk 1:38). This event is sometimes referred to as the "guarantee of the Incarnation." Over the years, however, the term Coredemptrix has come to denote a more active role for Mary than her assent. The Second Vatican Council declared, "in suffering with Him as He died on the cross, she cooperated in the work of the Savior, in an altogether singular way, by obedience, faith, hope, and burning love, to restore supernatural life to souls" (Lumen gentium 61-62). However, Catholic theologians differ as to the precise nature of Mary's participation in the redemption, and, as aforementioned, the Pope has yet to speak ex cathedra on the subject.” (Source: www.religionfacts.com Christian Beliefs About Mary) |
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