Mary and the Saints

MARY

In an utterly singular way Mary cooperated by her obedience, faith, hope and burning charity in the Saviour’s work….Taken up to heaven, she did not lay aside this saving role …The Mother of God is a model of the Church in the matter of faith, charity, and perfect union with Christ - (indeed) she shines forth to the whole community…as a model of the virtues.  Meditating on her and contemplating her in the light of the Word made man, the Church with reverence enters more intimately into the supreme mystery of the Incarnation…

The Church has endorsed many forms of piety toward the Mother of God, providing they are within the limits of sound and orthodox doctrine…True devotion proceeds from true faith, by which we are led to know the excellence of the Mother of God, and are moved to a filial love toward our mother and to the imitation of her virtues. (Constitution on the Church, Section III: The Blessed Virgin and the Church)

SAINTS

Very much aware of the bonds linking the whole Mystical Body of Jesus Christ, the pilgrim Church from the very first ages of the Christian religion has cultivated with great piety the memory of the dead…It is supremely fitting, therefore, that we love those who are also our brothers (and sisters) and extraordinary benefactors, that we render due thanks to God for them, and “suppliantly invoke them and have recourse to their prayers, their power and help in obtaining benefits from God…The authentic cult of the saints consists not so much in the multiplying of external acts, but rather in the intensity of our active love.  By such love…we seek from the saints’ example in their way of life, fellowship in their communion, and aid by their intercession. (Constitution on the Church, Chapter Seven – The Communion of Saints)

More Information:

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