Why do Catholics venerate Mary?

Short answers:

1 She intercedes for us as a spiritual mother, bringing our prayers to Jesus.

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2 The Bible says that all generations will call Mary blessed (Lk 1:48).

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3 She intercedes for us as a spiritual mother, bringing our prayers to Jesus.

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Advanced answer:

1

The veneration Catholics give to Mary, mother of Jesus, is not worship but profound respect and honor for her unique role in God's plan. In Catholicism, veneration is distinct from worship. While worship (latria) is due only to God, veneration (dulia), and especially the honor given to Mary (hyperdulia), acknowledges her role as the highest among the saints without ever placing her on the level of God.

Mary is venerated for various reasons grounded in Scripture and Church Tradition. In the Gospel of Luke, Mary proclaims: "All generations will call me blessed" (Luke 1:48). This verse reflects the Church's continuous recognition of her special participation in the mystery of salvation. Chosen to be the Mother of God (Galatians 4:4), she uniquely collaborated in the divine plan by freely consenting to the Word becoming flesh in her (Luke 1:38).

Mary's intercession is also central to Catholic veneration. As at Cana, where she asked Jesus to perform his first miracle (John 2:1-11), Catholics believe that Mary, in Heaven, continues to intercede for us. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (§969) states that, assumed into Heaven, Mary did not abandon her role but "by her manifold intercession continues to bring us the gifts of eternal salvation."

Furthermore, Mary is seen as a model of faith and charity, being the "exemplary realization" of the Church (CIC §967). Her absolute obedience to God's will and her sinless purity (CIC §491-492) are virtues the faithful are called to emulate. Thus, Catholics look to her as a spiritual mother guiding us to Christ.

The veneration of Mary does not diminish Jesus Christ's role but exalts how God, in His infinite wisdom, involved human participation in the history of salvation. Mary is venerated because, through her "yes" to God, she made the incarnation of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, possible.

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Illustrating

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The Veneration of Mary: Respect and Honor

Catholics venerate Mary as the Mother of Jesus, distinguishing between veneration (hyperdulia) and worship (latria), which is due only to God. She is honored for her unique role in God's plan and her obedience in saying "yes" to the divine will (Luke 1:38).

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Mary, Intercessor and Spiritual Mother

As at Cana (John 2:1-11), Catholics believe that Mary intercedes for us with Jesus. Assumed into Heaven, she continues to obtain spiritual gifts for us, guiding us closer to Christ (CIC §969).

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Model of Faith and Obedience

Mary is a model of faith, charity, and obedience. Her acceptance of God's will and her pure life are virtues that Catholics strive to imitate, looking to her as a spiritual mother and an example of holiness (CIC §967).

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References

CIC §967-971
Lk 1:48
John 2:1-11
John 19:26-27
Luke 1:48: "All generations will call me blessed." Mary is venerated for her unique role in salvation.
John 2:3-5: "Do whatever he tells you." Mary intercedes at Cana, showing her mediating role.
Galatians 4:4: "God sent his Son, born of a woman." Mary is the Mother of God, bringing Christ to the world.
Luke 1:42: "Blessed are you among women." Mary is blessed among all women for her purity.
Genesis 3:15: "I will put enmity between you and the woman." Mary is the new Eve, cooperating in victory over sin.
Revelation 12:1: "A woman clothed with the sun." Mary is the glorious woman exalted in Heaven.
Luke 1:38: "Behold, the handmaid of the Lord." Mary is a model of faith and obedience to God's will.
John 19:26-27: "Behold your mother." Jesus gives Mary as our spiritual Mother.
Acts 1:14: "They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with Mary." Mary intercedes for the Church in prayer.
Isaiah 7:14: "The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son." Mary is the Virgin chosen to bring forth the Savior.
Our Lady of the Pillar (1st century): According to tradition, Mary appeared to Saint James in Zaragoza, affirming her help and presence among the apostles from the beginning of the Church.
"Sub Tuum Praesidium" (3rd century): "Under your protection, we seek refuge, Holy Mother of God." This is the oldest known Marian prayer, demonstrating veneration and trust in Mary as a protector since the early centuries of Christianity.
Images of Mary in the Catacombs of Priscilla (2nd-3rd century): In the Catacombs of Priscilla, Rome, there is one of the oldest depictions of the Virgin Mary, showing her with the Child Jesus in her arms. This image is visual evidence that veneration of Mary existed among early Christians, highlighting her importance as the Mother of God.

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Why do Catholics venerate Mary?

Visual Complement

The Veneration of Mary: Respect and Honor

Mary, Intercessor and Spiritual Mother

Model of Faith and Obedience

References

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