SPECIAL HONOUR PAID TO MARY

SPECIAL HONOUR PAID TO MARY

“Holier than the Cherubim and Seraphim she enjoys unquestionably greater glory than all the others saints, for she is full of grace.”

“I don’t like Protestants because they don’t honour Mother Mary like Catholics.” These were the words of Catholic youngsters. So may I ask you few questions. We know we don’t worship Mary. Mary is Mother of God but not God. If it is so then is she equal to saints? If not what is the special honour we pay to Mary?

So here I am to speak about this special honour paid to Mary.

Adoration is an act of religion in which the human mind and will acknowledge God’s infinite sovereignty and supreme dominion over His creation. It is expressed externally by an attitude of reverence and by words of praise. This highest type of worship is reserved for God alone and is called ‘Latria’ by theologians.

The honour paid to Mary and the saints is an infinitely lower plane. When it refers to the saint, it is called dulia and when it refers to Mary it is called hyper dulia. Mary deserves this veneration because of Her unique position as Mother of God. It is less than that given to God but is surpasses the honour according to the saints and angels.

Now, how can we say that is far from idolatry? There are two reasons.

1.      It is an honour rendered to a creature who has carried out unique role in the History of salvation and has through grace attained the heights of sanctity and glory, but remains creature nonetheless; she remains for Christian tradition, the “Handmaid/servant of the Lord.”

2.      The veneration of Mary is neither a substitute for nor something independent form, nor an alternative to the worship owed to the Trinity. It is willed by God and has God as its end. The second Vatican Council summed this point up very nicely.

“This cult, which always existed in the Church, although it is altogether singular, differs essentially form the cult of adoration which is offered to the incarnate word, as well as to the Father and the Holy Spirit, and it is most favorable to it. As She is proclaimed and venerated, Mary calls the faithful to Her Son and His sacrifice and to the Love of the Father.” (Luke 66: 65)

 As we specially honour Mary in this month let this point be clear in our mind. Let us give the honour to Mary by imitating her especially in these days.