Mary as the Mother of God
One of the most fundamental and ancient titles of Mary is the Mother of God. This means that she gave birth to Jesus, who is fully God and fully man. This title was affirmed by the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD, which declared that Mary is Theotokos, or God-bearer, in Greek. By being the Mother of God, Mary also became the Mother of the Church, which is the body of Christ. She is seen as a model of faith, charity and obedience to God's will .
Mary as the Immaculate Conception
Another important doctrine about Mary is the Immaculate Conception, which states that she was conceived without original sin.
This means that she was preserved from the stain of sin that affects all human beings since the fall of Adam and Eve. The Immaculate Conception was proclaimed by Pope Pius IX in 1854, after centuries of theological debate and popular devotion.
It is celebrated on December 8 every year. By being the Immaculate Conception, Mary shows us the grace and mercy of God, who chose her to be the mother of his Son .
Mary as the Mediatrix and Co-Redemptrix
Some other titles and roles that have been attributed to Mary by some theologians and believers are Mediatrix and Co-Redemptrix.
These terms imply that Mary has a special role in mediating between God and humanity, and in cooperating with Christ in his work of redemption. However, these titles are not official dogmas of the Church, and they are controversial among some Catholics.
The Church teaches that Mary's mediation and cooperation are subordinate to Christ's, who is the only mediator and redeemer between God and humanity .
Mary as a model and intercessor
Regardless of these debates, Mary is widely regarded as a model and intercessor for all Catholics. She is a model because she exemplifies the virtues and attitudes that every Christian should have: faith, hope, love, humility, purity, obedience, service, prayer and holiness. She is an intercessor because she prays for us and helps us with her maternal care.
Catholics believe that Mary can hear our prayers and present them to her Son, who listens to her with love and respect. Catholics also honor Mary with various forms of devotion, such as rosaries, novenas, litanies, statues, icons, paintings and pilgrimages .
Mary is more than a historical figure or a symbol for Catholics. She is a living person who has a unique relationship with God and with us. She is our mother, our sister, our friend and our guide. She invites us to follow her example and to trust in her Son, who is our Savior and Lord.