Why do Catholics love Mary?
Catechism Meditation:
Jesus is Mary’s only son, but her spiritual motherhood extends to all men whom indeed he came to save: “The Son whom she brought forth is he whom God placed as the first-born among many brethren, that is, the faithful in whose generation and formation she co-operates with a mother’s love.” ―No. 501
REFLECTION. Catholics love the Blessed Virgin Mary for several reasons, primarily because she is seen as a gentle mother and a perfect disciple who leads believers to Jesus. Her unique role in salvation history and her intercessory power are also significant factors in the deep affection we Catholics have for her. We love Mary not only for her unique role but also for her ability to lead us closer to Jesus, embodying the qualities of a gentle mother and a devoted disciple.
Love for our Blessed Mother has often been misunderstood by non-Catholic Christians for they have been erroneously taught that Catholics adore Mary. Catholics don’t worship Mary as divine but honor her as the Mother of Jesus and a model of faith through veneration. This respect includes prayers, reverent images, and special feast days, but it’s distinct from worship, which is reserved for God alone. In his book, The World’s First Love, Fulton Sheen writes… “Mary does not prevent our honoring Our Lord. Nothing is more cruel than to say that she takes souls away from Christ. That could mean that Our Lord chose a mother who is selfish, He Who is Love Itself. If she kept us from her Son, we would disown her! But is not she, who is the Mother of Jesus, good enough for us sinners? We would never have had Our Divine Lord if He had not chosen her.”
The person who loved Mary most is God himself. The Triune God’s relationship with Mary is so special. To begin with, the Father chose her from eternity to be the Mother of His Son Jesus Christ. On the other hand Jesus Christ wanted her to be his Mother in full accord with the Father’s will. The Holy Spirit is Mary’s spouse and thanks to his activity Mary is the Mother of God, God Incarnate. Finally, Jesus showed deep love for his mother Mary, especially in his final moments, entrusting her to the care of the disciple John, symbolizing her spiritual motherhood for all believers. This act highlights the importance of honoring and loving one’s mother. As Saint Maximillian Kolbe put it, “Never be afraid of loving the Blessed Virgin too much. You can never love her more than Jesus did.”
Mother’s Day in May is a perfect opportunity to honor the Blessed Mother, Mary, Mother of God. Mary instructed us to pray the Rosary daily. Praying the Rosary on Mother’s Day is a deeply meaningful way to both honor the Virgin Mary — the spiritual mother of all — and to express gratitude for the gift of motherhood in our lives. On Mother’s Day, set aside time to pray the Rosary, especially the Seven Sorrows, and recite Marian prayers like the Hail Mary, Memorare, or St. Mother Teresa’s 5-second prayer, “Mary, Mother of Jesus, please be a mother to me now.” Through prayers, devotions, and acts of love and service, we can deepen our relationship with Mary and better follow her example of faith, obedience, and love.
PRAYER. Dear Lord, we humbly seek the intercession of our Blessed Mother, Mary. May her gentle guidance and unwavering love lead us closer to You.
Timeless Wisdom Quote:
“She existed in the Divine Mind as an Eternal Thought before there were any mothers. She is the Mother of mothers—she is the world’s first love.” ― Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen