Marian Devotion
What is a Marian devotion?
A devotion directed to the person of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The term “devotion” commonly refers to external practices of piety by which the faith of an individual finds expression.
These prayers or acts may be accompanied by specific requests for Mary’s intercession with God.
What a Marian devotion is NOT?
Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary does not amount to worship – which is reserved for God. We honour the Blessed Virgin Mary because she is the mother of Jesus.
God himself honoured Mary, by finding her worthy to be the mother of His only son. God sent the angel Gabriel to Mary to tell her: ‘Hail, Mary, full of grace!
Where does the practice of Marian Devotion come from?
When Jesus utters the words while He is hanging on the cross (John 19:26-27), He gave his mother to John and in turn Mary became the mother of all the living.
It is from this moment on that the Catholic Church esteems the Blessed Virgin Mary with great respect and admiration because she is our mother.
Why have or participate in a Marian Devotion?
The primary objective of any Marian Devotion is to promote a simple and filial devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. We do so by imitating her virtues and bringing more people to Jesus through her.
Talking to Mary, praying to Mary, does not diminish our devotion to Jesus. If anything, it strengthens it, because Mary will always lead us to her Son.
When did the Church begin having Marian Devotions?
Marian devotion—and devotion to the saints in general—existed in the early Church, as St. Irenaeus affirms in the late second century:
“For as Eve was seduced by the word of an angel to flee from God, having rebelled against His Word, so Mary by the word of an angel received the glad tidings that she would bear God by obeying His Word. The former was seduced to disobey God, but the latter was persuaded to obey God, so that the Virgin Mary might become the advocate of Eve. As the human race was subjected to death through the act of Eve, so it was saved through Mary” (Irenaeus, Against Heresies, V: 19, 1)
Are there different forms of Marian Devotion?
There are many Marian devotions, ranging from multi-day prayers such as novenas – reciting the Angelus as well as the Litany of Loreto, the celebration of Canonical coronations granted by the Pope, and pious acts which do not involve prayers, such as the wearing of the brown scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
Why is it important to have a Marian Devotion?
The Blessed Mother wishes to lead us to her Son. As all great mothers do, Mary loves each of us, her children, no matter what. We are human, and with our humanity comes a sinful nature.
Mary recognizes this from heaven above and knows that each of us needs help in living a virtuous life. She recognizes the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus and wishes to take us by the hand to His throne. Because of the great love Our Lady has for us, she wants what is best for us, which is a true authentic relationship with God.
With this in mind, there is no contradiction between having a profound devotion to the Blessed Mother and a relationship with Jesus Christ simultaneously. They both lead us to paths of holiness and sanctity of life.
The truth is – when we go to the Blessed Mother, we go to Jesus with assistance. We are placing each of those intentions in the hands of the Blessed Mother who then in turn offers them to her Son, pleading on our behalf.
How does our veneration of the Blessed Virgin Mary relate to our worship of God?
She sets the example of love and faithfulness to God. She intercedes for us in prayer and she bestows graces on us from God that God allows Her to; enabling us to worship & adore God fully.
How do you strengthen your Marian devotion?
- Pray the Rosary daily with your family
- Meditate on the virtues of the Blessed Virgin Mary
- Become familiar with the approved Marian apparitions
- Consecrate yourself to Mary
- Participate in the First Saturdays devotion
- Read about the Blessed Virgin Mary