Mary, The Mother of God
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Mary, the mother of God and the Mother of the Church, is the greatest saint and disciple of Jesus. She played a very unique role in Salvation History and was instrumental in fulfilling God's plan. Her "yes" to God's invitation is what allowed God to carry out his final work of Revelation on Earth through Jesus Christ. The event in which Mary was visited by the angel Gabriel and told of her child is called the Annunciation. The Incarnation is when God became flesh through the birth of Jesus Christ.
After the birth of Jesus, Mary always stood along side Jesus through all the good and bad times. She was always there for Jesus as a kind, loving mother.
After the birth of Jesus, Mary always stood along side Jesus through all the good and bad times. She was always there for Jesus as a kind, loving mother.
The Four Marian Dogmas
Because of Mary's important role in Salvation History, the Church teaches several important truths, or dogmas about her.
Divine MotherhoodThe Church teaches us to call Mary "Mother of God." Before, the term "Theotokos" was used to express this truth. Theotokos means "God-bearer" or "Birth-giver to God." Since Mary gave birth to Jesus, it is only proper to call her Mother of God.
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Perpetual VirginityWe express the belief that Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary and that God took the initiative in the Incarnation. God alone is the father of Jesus. Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. Mary remained a virgin even after the birth of the Jesus.
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Immaculate ConceptionFrom the first moment of Mary's conception, she was free from Original Sin. From the first moments of her existence, she was full of grace and free from any alienation from God. Mary lived a life extremely close to God and did not commit any personal sins.
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The AssumptionAfter he earthly life was complete, Mary was taken up to heaven, body and soul, into the loving presence of the Lord.
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