Fall 1973

MARIO LOGY 1. What is Mariology?

Mariology is the study of the Blessed Virgin Mary in relation to Christian teachings. Catholic teaching on Mary's place in doctrine and devotion was set forth at length in the Second Vatican Council's dogmatic constitution on the Church, Lumen gentium, November 21, 1964, where the eighth and final chapter is, "The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, in the Mystery of Christ and the_ Church." (A good commentary by Donal Flanagan is in Kevin McNamara, ed., Vatican II: Constitution on the Church, Franciscan Herald Press, Chicago, 1968.)

2. Why do Catholics call Mary the "Mother of God?" The ecumenical Council of Ephesus, 431 a.d., proclaimed as legitimate the title "Mother of God," which had already been used for more than a century in some parts of the Church. The Council's purpose was Christological: to teach solemnly that Jesus, Mary's Son, is the Son of God made man. "Mother of God" enshrines this doctrine.

3, Why do some Christians not care lor the title "Mother of God"?

Although this phrase has been common Since the filth century, especially in the liturgies of East and West, some lind "Mother of God" not only post-biblical but liable to misinterpretation as if a divine claim were being made for Mary herself.

4. How can one show the special place "Mother of God" (the Greek theotokos) holds in liturgical prayer?

The eucharistic prayers recall our communion with Mary "virgin Mother of God." In the calendar, since 1970, January 1 has been called "solemnity of Mary, Mother of God;" the traditional entrance prayer to the Father speaks of "Jesus Christ, your Son, the source of life, whom you gave us through the virgin mother Mary."

5. What is the gospel sense of Mary's blessedness?

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