What It Means to Honor Mary in the Catholic Church

“Catholics worship Mary” is a phrase tossed around in both Catholic and Protestant circles. However, the Catholic Church does not instruct Catholics to worship Mary. Further, even Martin Luther, considered by many Protestants to be the “father of the Reformation”, did not include criticism of Mary in his 95 theses.

Why Should Catholics Pay Attention to Mary?

1. Mary Intercedes for People in Need.

The gospel of John 2:1-11 details Jesus’ first public miracle, the turning of water into wine at the wedding at Cana. The people at the wedding feast are symbolic of all people of God. Mary sees a need and asks Jesus to help.

2. Mary Points People to Jesus.

By giving her “fiat” or “yes” to God, Mary is a sign for all humanity. Again, at the wedding at Cana, by instructing servants to “Do whatever He tells you,” she does not take responsibility or credit for helping to meet a need. Instead, she directs people to look to her Son. Only Jesus has the power to meet everyone’s needs.

3. Jesus Gave His Mother to All Humanity.

It cannot be overlooked that Mary was chosen to be the mother of Jesus by the Father, Himself. At the foot of the cross on Calvary, one of the last things Jesus did was entrust Mary to John, the beloved disciple. Jesus said to John, “Behold your mother!” (John 19:26-27)

John symbolizes all those who follow Christ and Mary is given to them as a spiritual mother and the mother of the Church.

4. Mary Is the Queen Mother and Especially Loved by Jesus

Jesus is called Christ the King in several verses in the bible. The Catholic Church also celebrates this title in a solemnity in the liturgical year.

Since Jesus is the King of heaven and earth, Mary is therefore the Queen Mother. The esteem of this position is found in the Old Testament in the tradition of Israel.

The King rarely, if ever, refused a wise request made by the Queen Mother. As Bathsheba interceded for the people before King Solomon, so Mary intercedes for the children of God before Jesus.

Further, in Rev 12:1, Mary is depicted as the woman clothed with the sun. She is pregnant in this passage and gives birth to a son who will rule all nations. Her attire also signifies royalty, alluding to the above reference of Mary as Queen.

Mary Can Lead You Closer to Her Son

Mary is often reverently referred to as “Our Lady” and the “Blessed Mother”. But what if you don’t know Mary? What if you haven’t understood her significance in the bible, the life of Jesus, or the life of the Catholic Church?

Here are five ways to know our Blessed Mother better:

1. Pray the Rosary.

The rosary is not just a bunch of mindless prayers, it is a contemplative reflection on the life of Christ. When you hold the rosary beads in your hand, imagine you are holding Mary’s hand. See Jesus through the eyes of the one who knew Him on earth the longest.

2. Learn the story of the Miraculous Medal.

Our Lady has continued to appear over the centuries to encourage prayer and conversion to the heart of Jesus.

It is important to note that public revelation from God ceased with the death of the last apostle. Marian apparitions are not required belief of the Catholic faithful.

God’s grace bestowed through Our Lady and the Miraculous Medal is a testimony to faith and trust in God. Countless miracles are attributed to the Miraculous Medal. You may find the following books to be inspiring reading:

• The Miraculous Medal: The Story of Our Lady’s Appearances to St. Catherine Laboure (for children)
• The Miraculous Medal: Stories, Prayers, and Devotions
• The Miraculous Medal: Pendant of Power

3. Entrust Yourself to Mary.

Also called, “Consecration to Jesus through Mary”, entrustment means taking Mary as your spiritual mother. In this way you can ask her to guide you to grow in holiness and draw closer to the heart of Jesus. Here are two helpful resources:

• How to Pray Marian Consecration (online resource)
• 33 Days to Morning Glory: A Do-It-Yourself Retreat (book)

4. Celebrate Marian Feast Days.

Each feast day of Mary highlights either an event in her life or a title by which she is known.

• Use a prayer card or picture to keep Mary in mind for the day.
• Attend Mass if possible.
• Consider placing flowers by a statue of Our Lady as a gift of love.
• Wear a devotional medal to keep Mary close to your thoughts and heart.
• Check out this webpage to inspire your own devotional ideas.

5. Visit Marian Shrines.

Making a pilgrimage to Catholic shrines is a pious devotional practice. The Faithful Traveler website has compiled a map of cathedrals, shrines, and chapels for Catholic pilgrimages. Perhaps one is near you!

Catholic Radio Helps Deepen Devotion to Our Blessed Mother

Our programs, hosts, and call-in programs are faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church. You will learn about Mary through prayers and speakers throughout the liturgical year.

You can listen online to one of our five livestreams, find your local station, or download our free app for Apple and Android.