Mary and Philosophy January 1, 2009

From Pope John Paul II’s encyclical Fides et Ratio (On Faith and Reason):
I turn in the end to the woman whom the prayer of the Church invokes as Seat of Wisdom, and whose life itself is a true parable illuminating the reflection contained [...]

Synod on Sacred Scripture October 5, 2008

I recently received a comment about a readers confusion regarding the Catholic Church and the role of Scripture.  I recommended that this reader purchase a copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and read it while paying special attention to the Scriptural footnotes.  I also recommend to my readers in general to pay attention [...]

Pope Benedict on our connection to Mary September 24, 2008

Below are two articles from Zenit from earlier this month.  The first is a summary of Pope Benedict’s address in Lourdes; the second is his homily.
LOURDES, France, SEPT. 14, 2008 (Zenit.org).- The Virgin Mary’s special protection from sin does not make her far from the rest of humanity, but rather draws her closer to us, [...]

MI & Papal Intentions for September 2008 September 1, 2008

In solidarity with Pope Benedict XVI, his intentions for the month of September are reprinted below:
General:
That Christians may defend and protect refugees.

Mission:
That every Christian family may be a small evangelizing community which is responsive to the needs of others.
Prayer:
O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer You my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings [...]

Zenit readers on “Co-redemptrix” May 29, 2008

Some readers wrote into Zenit recently about the issue of formally defining Mary as Co-redemptrix as a dogma of the Church. Here is what they had to say:
With,” Not “Equal To”
A response to: Only One RedeemerWhile I understand Joseph’s reservations about calling Mary co-redemptrix, I do believe that it is important to realize that [...]

Co-redemptrix May 28, 2008

The teaching that Mary is a “Co-redemptrix” is one of the most controversial and misunderstood teachings of the Catholic faith. Although it is not a formally a defined dogma (such as the Assumption of Mary or the Immaculate Conception of Mary), it is doctrine. Before I say any more about this issue, I [...]

Consecration to Mary Part 2 May 27, 2008

From the Militia of the Immaculata:
Consecration means setting yourself aside for service to God. The Church has always advocated consecrating yourself to Jesus Christ through the Blessed Virgin, the perfect model of discipleship.
Perhaps the best known advocate of Marian consecration is St. Louis de Montfort (d. 1716). Modern day promoters include Pope John Paul II, [...]

Mary’s Fiat May 21, 2008

When Catholics speak of “Mary’s Fiat” we do not mean this:

Rather, we mean this:
Dixit autem Maria: Ecce ancilla Domini: fiat mihi secundum verbum tuum. Et discessit ab illa angelus.
Which, translated, mean:
And Mary said: Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her (Luke [...]

Jack Chick: “Why is Mary Crying?” (Pt. 3) May 14, 2008

This is the third part in a 4-part series on Jack Chick’s tract “Why is Mary Crying?” The fourth part will be posted on Thursday.

Vatican II on Mary May 5, 2008

Originally posted at Taking Back Vatican II.

Assumpta est Maria in caelum. gaudent Angeli, laudantes benedicunt Dominum. … Mary has been assumed into Heaven. The angels rejoice; they bless the Lord, praising Him.
Today is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We celebrate the day that the Virgin Mary was taken body and [...]