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MarySaintsDevotion

The Virgin Mary: Mother of God

Why Catholics honor Mary and the dogmas of the Immaculate Conception and Assumption.

March 25, 2024

The Catholic Teaching

Catholics honor (hyperdulia) but do not worship Mary. She is revered as the Theotokos (Mother of God) because she bore Jesus, who is God.

Four Marian Dogmas

  1. Mother of God: Confirmed at the Council of Ephesus (431 AD).
  2. Perpetual Virginity: Mary remained a virgin before, during, and after the birth of Jesus.
  3. Immaculate Conception: Mary was preserved from original sin from the moment of her conception.
  4. Assumption: At the end of her earthly life, Mary was taken up body and soul into heaven.

Common Misunderstandings

  • "Catholics worship Mary": This is a misconception. Worship (latria) is due to God alone. Catholics ask for Mary's intercession (prayers), just as one asks a friend to pray for them.
  • "brothers of Jesus": Scripture mentions "brothers" (adelphoi) of Jesus, which is often cited against perpetual virginity. However, in Hebrew/Aramaic usage, this term can refer to cousins or close kin (e.g., Lot is called Abraham's brother).

Why It Matters

Marian doctrines are always Christocentric—they protect truths about Jesus. For example, calling Mary "Mother of God" protects the truth that Jesus is fully God and fully man, not two separate persons.