The Role of Mary. The Mother of God Chapter 5 –Part 3 Mr. Perrotti Theology l

Prayer and Meditation Hail Mary –Gentle Woman Let us reflect on the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in our Church and in our lives. Through Her intercession may God gives us all the Grace needed to be one in His Kingdom! oWM.com oWM.com

Mary the Blessed Virgin The Mother, of God, Mother of Jesus, wife of St. Joseph, and the greatest of all Christian saints. The Virgin Mother “was, after her Son, exalted by divine grace above all angels and men”. Mary’s life and role in the history of salvation is prefigured in the Old Testament, while the events of her life are recorded in the New Testament.

Early Life She was declared the daughter of Sts. Joachim and Anne. Born in Jerusalem, Mary was presented in the Temple and took a vow of virginity. Living in Nazareth, Mary was visited by the archangel Gabriel, who announced to her that she would become the Mother of Jesus, by the Holy Spirit.

Early Life She became betrothed to St. Joseph and went to visit her cousin, Elizabeth, who was bearing St. John the Baptist. Acknowledged by Elizabeth as the Mother of God, Mary intoned the Magnificat. The feast of the Annunciation (May 8), Assumption of Mary (August 15), Holy Family (January 1) and May 1 st are days the Church set aside in her honor.

Her role with Jesus The first recorded miracle of Jesus was performed at a wedding in Cana, and Mary was instrumental in calling Christ’s attention to the need. Mary was present at the Crucifixion in Jerusalem, and there she was given into John’s care. She was also with the disciples in the days before the Pentecost, and it is believed that she was present at the resurrection and Ascension.

Later in Life Mary served as an inspiration and confidant to the Apostles, especially Peter. There are no scriptural reference concerning Mary’s last years on earth. Tradition states that she remained in Jerusalem. The belief that Mary’s body was assumed into heaven is one of the oldest traditions of the Catholic Church. Pius the XII made it official Church Dogma in 1950

A Perfect Role Model Mary is considered the perfect role model of divine faith. She is considered the greatest saint. A saint is a “Holy One” of Gog who lives in union with God through the Grace of Jesus Christ. Her “yes” to God was instrumental for Him to send us his Son as part of our Salvation History.

The Annunciation SbuqjQ.com SbuqjQ.com Like Abraham, Mary said yes to God’s call without hesitation or fear. The prayer “The Hail Mary” was taken from the words of the Angel Gabriel at the Annunciation or call of Mary. She accepts by saying “Behold I am the handmaiden of the Lord, may it be done to me according to your will”

The Visitation An example of Charity and Outreach, Mary visits her mother’s cousin Elizabeth who is about to give birth herself. Elizabeth also was part of God’s plan, as she bore John the Baptist, the precursor to Christ, the “One who would come before” The most holy prayer the Magnificat comes from their greeting. A.com A.com

The Three Mary’s of the Bible All were with Jesus when he died: – Mary his mother – Mary of Magdalene his disciple – Mary the sister of Lazareth and Martha his friends They were all present at the tomb the day He rose from the dead. Mary played an active role in the beginning of new Church. She was present at the Ascension of Jesus and in the upper room for the Pentecost.

The Assumption of Mary August 15 – One of the Holy Days of Obligation. As Catholics we believe that God allowed Mary to assume into heaven body and soul as a sign of his love and respect for all that she had done. This great honor God only reserves for the select few who gave so much to him through deeds, sacrifice and prayer. 0.com 0.com