We've Left Apple's App Store (iOS)


Please Bookmark This Site, Link To Us & Tell Your Friends!

My Catholic Source.com (TM) Christ the King of All Nations My Catholic Source.com (TM) My Catholic Source.com (TM)

Click Here For Important Information Regarding This Site | Keep Us Online

My Catholic Source.com Home

Help

Join E-Mail List

Support This Site

Bookmark Site

Tell a Friend

Link to Us

FAQs

Feedback

By Using This Site, You Agree To All Terms (Including use of 'cookies')

Search

 

Reflections: Mary, Our Mother Sctn. (Praise)

The Blessed Virgin Mary

Return to Mary, Our Mthr.Reflctns. | Mary Our Mthr.Sctn.

Reflections: 

Mary, Our Mother Sctn.:

Praise of the Blessed Virgin

Wisdom of the Popes, Saints, Theologians, Other...

Important Notice: We make no guarantees regarding any item herein. Use of site is subject to our terms of use. By using this site you indicate agreement to all terms. For more terms information, see below and click here.


Click link below or scroll down to view all...

Praise of Mary

 

Category
Quotation

Praise of Mary

Also See: Blessed Virgin Mary (Topic Page)

"And in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God into a city of Galilee, called Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel being come in, said unto her: Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. Who having heard, was troubled at his saying, and thought with herself what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said to her: Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found grace with God. Behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the most High; and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of David his father; and he shall reign in the house of Jacob for ever. And of his kingdom there shall be no end." (Lk. 1:26-33)

"And Mary rising up in those days, went into the hill country with haste into a city of Juda. And she entered into the house of Zachary, and saluted Elizabeth. And it came to pass, that when Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the infant leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: And she cried out with a loud voice, and said: Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed art thou that hast believed, because those things shall be accomplished that were spoken to thee by the Lord." (Lk. 1:39-45)

"[H]uman words are not able to describe her who became the Mother of God" (St. Maximilian Kolbe)

"No angel, no saint, can equal her in the multitude and accumulation of heavenly good things." (St. Bonaventure, Doctor of the Church)

"Limitless is the difference between God's servants and His Mother." (St. John Damascene, Doctor of the Church)

"In Mary God is more glorified, better known, more loved than in all the rest of the universe." (Liturgical Year)

"Your honor and dignity surpass the whole of creation; your greatness places you above the angels." (St. Germanus)

"Take away Mary, the star of the vast sea: what would remain but obscurity over all, a night of death and icy darkness?" (St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Doctor of the Church)

"As the sun is brighter than the moon, and the moon is brighter than the stars,' so is Mary exalted above all creatures." (Sequence)

"Hail, God's palace; hail, tabernacle of the Most High; hail, house of God; hail, His holy vestments; hail, handmaid of God!" (St. Francis of Assisi)

"[G]reater was the glory of the second temple which sheltered the reality, than of the first which contained but the figure." (Liturgical Year)

"Mary is blessed by Elisabeth with the same words as before by Gabriel, to show that she was to be reverenced both by men and angels." (St. Bede the Venerable, Doctor of the Church)

"For no single individual can even be imagined who has ever contributed or ever will contribute so much towards reconciling man with God [as Mary]." (Pope Leo XIII)

"What can be more sublime than your joy, O Virgin Mother? What more noble than this grace, which you alone have received from God?" (St. Sophronius)

"The lips of man are not worthy to praise the Mother of the Lord of angels and of men, for neither can men understand her, nor angels know her sufficiently" [Chant of the Assumption (Liturgical Year)]

"Mary! Thou the unfailing hope of the wretched, the true Mother of orphans, the consolation of the afflicted, the health of the sick, thou art all to all." (Prose, c. 17th century, as quoted by Dom Gueranger)

"[T]he Blessed Virgin Mary... is the 'tota pulchra' ['all beautiful'] portrayed by countless artists, whom Dante contemplates among the splendours of Paradise as 'beauty that was joy in the eyes of all the other saints'." (Pope John Paul II, 1999)

"Let us bless her often, and sing her praises: for behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed (Luke I, 48)." (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and "greatest theologian in the history of the Church")

"'Mary is said to be 'fair as the moon'.' For as the moon enlightens and benefits the lowest creatures on earth, so does Mary enlighten and succor the most unworthy sinners." (St. Alphonsus Liguori, Doctor of the Church)

"In thee the angels ever find their joy, the just find grace, sinners pardon; in thee, and by thee, and from thee, the merciful hand of the Almighty has reformed the first creation." (St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Doctor of the Church)

"Great indeed is Our trust in Mary. The resplendent glory of her merits, far exceeding all the choirs of angels, elevates her to the very steps of the throne of God. Her foot has crushed the head of Satan." (Bl. Pope Pius IX, "Ubi Primum ", 1849) 

"[Mary] is gentle, exquisite in tenderness, and of a limitless love and kindness. As such God gave her to us. Mother of his only begotten Son, he taught her all a mother's feelings that breathe pardon and love." (Pope Leo XIII)

"We sing unto thee, we praise thee, we worship thee, O God-bearer; for thou has brought forth the one Son and God of the undivided Trinity, and hast opened to us on earth the heavens." (St. Andrew of Crete) [Note: Of course, the term "worship" as used herein is not to be confused with the worship paid to God alone. Rather, it refers to the highest degree of veneration due a creature.]

"You alone and your Mother are more beautiful than any others; For there is no blemish in you, nor any stains upon your Mother. Who of my children can compare in beauty to these?" (St. Ephraim, Doctor of the Church, c. 370 A.D.)

"Because by reason of her child she surpassed the whole world in beauty and dignity: since she alone in the narrow abode of her womb received Him Whom the world cannot contain." [Pseudo Chrys (as quoted by St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church)]

"When Mary has taken root in a soul she produces in it wonders of grace which only she can produce; for she alone is the fruitful virgin who never had and never will have her equal in purity and fruitfulness." (St. Louis de Montfort)

"That all of this may come to pass prosperously and happily, let Us raise Our eyes and hands to the most holy Virgin Mary, who alone crushes all heresies, and is Our greatest reliance and the whole reason for Our hope." (Pope Gregory XVI, "Mirari Vos", 1832) [Note: Of course, salvation wouldn't be possible without Christ - however, Christ made his coming to earth dependent upon the fiat of Mary. In consideration of this, therefore, it may be said that Mary is the "whole reason for our hope". Such expressions, of course, are in no way to imply that our hope is independent from Christ.] 

"Virgin-Mother and Virgin without peer, pillar of smoke of aromatical spices, both heaven and earth are justly proud of thee. Thee did the ancient seers prophecy; to thee sang Solomon his Song of Songs; the angel's voice thy greatness did proclaim." (Sequence)

"O that rich treasure of Mary's womb! It held the price which purchased our redemption, setting us free from the yoke of our debt. The Son of the eternal Father dwelt within her; the Holy Ghost overshadowed her; what is such a Virgin's womb but a new-made heaven?" (St. Peter Damian, Doctor of the Church)

"O blessed is that womb which because of the overflowing purity of the Virgin Mary has drawn to itself the gift of life! For in others scarcely indeed shall a pure soul obtain the presence of the Holy Spirit, but in her the flesh is made the receptacle of the Spirit." (St. Gregory of Nyssa)

"For she was full of grace and blessed among women. She alone merited to conceive the true God of true God, whom as a virgin, she brought forth, to whom as a virgin she gave milk, fondling him in her lap, and in all things she waited upon him with loving care." (Amadeus of Lausanne, as quoted by Pope Pius XII in "Munificentissimus Deus")

"Who is this virgin so worthy of reverence as to be saluted by an angel: yet so humble as to be betrothed to a carpenter? A beautiful combination is that of virginity with humility: and that soul singularly pleases God in which humility gives worth to virginity, and virginity throws new luster on humility." (St. Bernard, Doctor of the Church)

"I greet you, Lady, Holy Queen, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Virgin...chosen by the most holy Father of heaven; consecrated to holiness thorough His most holy and beloved Son and the Holy Spirit, the Comforter. In you was and is the whole fullness of grace and everything that is good." (St. Francis of Assisi)

"It may be said, that 'know' here signifies simply, to understand; that whereas before he had not understood how great her dignity, after the birth he then knew that she had been made more honorable and worthy than the whole world, who had carried in her womb Him whom the whole world could not contain." [Pseudo Chrys (as quoted by St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church)]

"O Tower of the true David; citadel withstanding the first shock of Satan's attack, and breaking all his power; true Sion, founded on the holy mountains, the highest summits of virtue; temple and palace, feebly foreshadowed by those of Solomon; house built by eternal Wisdom for herself: the faultless lines of thy fair architecture were planned from all eternity." (Liturgical Year)

"We had closed Paradise; you opened again the entryway to the tree of life. We turn joys into sorrow; you turned sorrow back into the greatest of joys for us. And how would you, the Immaculate, taste of death? You are the bridge to life, you are the staircase to heaven" (St. John Damascene, Doctor of the Church, c. 8th century A.D.)

"Hail, from us, Mary, Mother of God, majestic common-treasure of the whole world, the lamp unquenchable, the crown of virginity, the staff or orthodoxy, the indissoluble temple, the dwelling of the Illimitable, Mother and Virgin, though whom He in the holy Gospels is called the Blessed Who cometh in the name of the Lord." (St. Cyril of Alexandria, Doctor of the Church, 5th century A.D.)

"Just as Mary surpassed in grace all others on earth, so also in heaven is her glory unique. If eye has not seen or ear heard or the human heart conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him (1 Cor. 2:9), who can express what He has prepared for the woman who gave Him birth and who loved Him, as everyone knows, more than anyone else?" (St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Doctor of the Church)

"[God] showered her with heavenly gifts and graces from the treasury of His divinity so far beyond what He gave to all the angels and saints that she was ever free from the least stain of sin; she is so beautiful and perfect, and possesses such fullness of innocence and holiness, that under God a greater could not be dreamed, and only God can comprehend the marvel." (Bl. Pope Pius IX)

"Hail! Virgin ever Blest, that didst destroy the curse. Hail! Mother of the Most High, and Spouse of the Lamb most meek. Thou didst conquer the serpent...Thou art the Queen of heaven, and Reparatrix of the earth, The loved Mother of men, and the terror of the demons of hell. The Scriptural figures of Window, Gate, Fleece, Palace, House, Temple, and Earth - are all fulfilled in thee." (Bl. Peter the Venerable)

"Just so the Virgin's womb, a meadow verdant in an endless spring, has brought forth a flower, whose beauty will never droop, whose freshness will never fade. O Virgin, branch sublime, to what a height art thou grown! Even up to Him that sitteth on the throne, even to the Lord of majesty. It was sure to be so, for thou castest deep down the roots of humility. O plant of heaven indeed! Precious above all, holier than all. O tree of life indeed! Alone worthy to bear the fruit of salvation." (St. Bernard, Doctor of the Church)

"Admire then both the benign condescension of the Son and the most excellent dignity of the Mother; and choose which one of the two is the more admirable. Each is a wonder, each a miracle. God is obedient to a woman, and unexampled humility! A woman is in the place of ancestor to God, a distinction without a sharer! When the praises of virgins are sung, it is said, that they follow the Lamb wherever He goes (Apoc. 14,4), of what praise shall she be thought worthy, who even goes before him?" (St. Bernard, Doctor of the Church)

"Oh, with what glorious light thou dost shine, royal daughter of David's race: seated on high, O Virgin Mary, above all the dwellers in heaven. Thou with thy virginal honor art Mother; a home in thy heart for the Lord of the angels, thou, pure one, didst prepare in thy sacred womb; the Christ born of thee is God in the flesh. 'Tis He whom the whole world doth trembling adore, He before whom each knee rightly bends; from Him we implore, by thy intercession, the dispelling of darkness, the joys of light." [Age-Old Hymn (Liturgical Year)]

"Our Lady, moreover, is not only the first-born, the most perfect, the most holy, of creatures and their Queen - or rather she is all this, only because she is also the Mother of the Son of God. If we wish only to prove that she alone surpasses all the united subjects of her vast empire, we may compare her with man and with angels, in the order of nature and of grace. But all comparison is out of the question if we try to follow her to the inaccessible heights, where, still the handmaid of the Lord, she participates in the eternal relations which constitute the Blessed Trinity. What mode of divine charity is that whereby a creature loves God as her Son?" (Liturgical Year)

"Awake, my harp, your songs in praise of the Virgin Mary! Lift up your voice and sing of the wonderful history Of the Virgin, the daughter of David, who gave birth to the life of the world.. Who loves you is amazed; and who would understand is silent and confused, Because he cannot probe the Mother who gave birth in her virginity...In the womb of Mary the Infant was formed, who from eternity is equal to the Father. He imparted to us His greatness, and took on our infirmity. He became mortal like us and joined his life to ours, so that we might die no more.. This Virgin became a Mother while preserving her virginity; And though still a Virgin she carried a Child in her womb; And the handmaid and work of His Wisdom became the Mother of God." (Hymn of praise, Attr. St. Ephraim of Syria, Doctor of the Church, c. 4th century A.D.)

"But the plenitude of Mary's personal merits far surpasses that of all the saints together. As the cedar of Libanus towards above the flowers of the field, far more does our Lady's sanctity, next to that of her divine Son, surpass the sanctity of every other creature. The Angelic Doctor [St. Thomas Aquinas] says: 'The trees to which the Blessed Virgin is compared [in the Book of Wisdom, Eccl. xxiv] may be taken to represent the different orders of the blessed. This passage therefore means that Mary has been exalted above the angels, patriarchs, prophets, apostles, martyrs, confessors, virgins, and all the saints, because she possesses all their merits united in her single person." (Liturgical Year)

"Her life was marked by the deepest sorrow, by torments, by uncertainties. Nonetheless, [Mary] did not collapse under their weight. She continued, imperturbably, to have faith, believing that what had been told to her by the Lord would be fulfilled. All her life long she will repeat, full as she is of the Holy Spirit, or lost in the deepest darkness: 'My being proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit finds joy in God my savior, for he has looked upon his servant in her lowliness' (Lk 1:46-48)... Likewise, Mary shines forth on earth, until the day of the Lord shall come, as a sign of sure hope and solace'." (Pope John Paul II)

"When the Fathers and writers of the Church meditated on the fact that the most Blessed Virgin was, in the name and by order of God himself, proclaimed full of grace by the Angel Gabriel when he announced her most sublime dignity of Mother of God, they thought that this singular and solemn salutation, never heard before, showed that the Mother of God is the seat of all divine graces and is adorned with all gifts of the Holy Spirit. To them Mary is an almost infinite treasury, an inexhaustible abyss of these gifts, to such an extent that she was never subject to the curse and was, together with her Son, the only partaker of perpetual benediction. Hence she was worthy to hear Elizabeth, inspired by the Holy Spirit, exclaim: 'Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.'" (Bl. Pope Pius IX, "Ineffabilis Deus", 1854)

"All our hope do we repose in the most Blessed Virgin - in the all fair and immaculate one who has crushed the poisonous head of the most cruel [Satan] and brought salvation to the world: in her who is the glory of the prophets and apostles, the honor of the martyrs, the crown and joy of all the saints; in her who is the safest refuge and the most trustworthy helper of all who are in danger; in her who, with her only-begotten Son, is the most powerful Mediatrix and Conciliatrix in the whole world; in her who is the most excellent glory, ornament, and impregnable stronghold of the holy Church; in her who has destroyed all heresies and snatched the faithful people and nations from all kinds of direst calamities; in her do we hope who has delivered us from so many threatening dangers." (Bl. Pope Pius IX, "Ineffabilis Deus", 1854)

"Let us sing that word, so good and sweet: Ave - Hail! It was by that salutation that the Virgin was made the sanctuary of Christ - the Virgin, who was both his Mother and his Child. Greeted by that Hail, the Virgin, born of the family of David, conceived the Divine Fruit in her womb - She that was the Lily amidst the thorns. Hail! Thou Mother of the true Solomon, thou Fleece of Gideon! The Magi, by their three gifts, praise thy delivery. Hail! Thou Hast given birth to the Sun! Hail! Thou hast given us to see the Sun, and thereby has restored life and power to this fallen world. Hail! Thou Spouse of the Divine Word! Haven of the sea! Burning Bush! Cloud of sweet aromatic spices! Queen of Angels! We beseech thee, covert us; and commend us so converted, to thy Son, that he bestow upon us the eternal joys of heaven. Amen." (Sequence)

"Whoso remembers having ever invoked thee in vain in his needs, O Blessed Virgin, let him be silent as to thy mercy. As for us, thy little servants, we praise thy other virtues, but on this one we congratulate ourselves. We praise thy virginity, we admire thy humility; but mercy is sweeter to the wretched; we embrace it more lovingly, we think of it more frequently, we invoke it unceasingly. Who can tell the length and breadth and height and depth of thine, O blessed one? Its length, for it extends to the last day; its breadth, for it covers the earth...Thou art as powerful as merciful; having now rejoined thy Son, manifest to the world the grace thou hast found before God: obtain pardon for sinners, health for the sick, strength for the weak, consolation for the afflicted, help and deliverance for those who are in any danger, O clement, O merciful, O sweet Virgin Mary!" (Liturgical Year)

"This doctrine so filled the minds and souls of our ancestors in the faith that a singular and truly marvelous style of speech came into vogue among them. They have frequently addressed the Mother of God as immaculate, as immaculate in every respect; innocent, and verily most innocent; spotless, and entirely spotless; holy and removed from every stain of sin; all pure, all stainless, the very model of purity and innocence; more beautiful than beauty, more lovely than loveliness; more holy than holiness, singularly holy and most pure in soul and body; the one who surpassed all integrity and virginity; the only one who has become the dwelling place of all the graces of the most Holy Spirit. God alone excepted, Mary is more excellent than all, and by nature fair and beautiful, and more holy than the Cherubim and Seraphim. To praise her all the tongues of heaven and earth do not suffice." (Bl. Pope Pius IX, "Ineffabilis Deus", 1854)

"Let this be our joyous praise of Mary: true and fervent love. Let the cry of our heart, as it sings in the Mother's honor, be presented to her Son as a tribute of love. Hail thou that broughtest salvation to men! O Virgin, and Queen of virgins! To Thee, after God, are due praise and honor, Thou art the fair rose and lily, whose fragrance drew the Son of God to assume our human nature. Hail overflowing fount of mercy! Hail true balm of the wounded heart! Thou art the ministress of pardon, the flame richly fed with grace, the Queen of matchless glory. Hail spotless mirror of purity, that givest beauty to the holy Church of God! Where thou art, there can be no sadness, for thou art the springtime of joy; thou art the bond of peace and concord. O happy Mother! Use a Mother's right; and bid thy Son, our Redeemer, forgive us our sins. These are the gifts we ask of thee: firmness of faith, works available to salvation, and in the evening of life, a happy death. Amen." (Sequence)

"The following praise was given to her in the same words both by the Archangel Gabriel and St. Elizabeth: 'Blessed art though amongst women.' Mary is truly called blessed above all other women, she having been herself always preserved from the least stain of sin, and having been the happy instrument of God in converting the maledictions laid on all mankind into blessings. When Judith had delivered Bethulia from temporal destruction, Ozias, the prince of the people, said to her 'Blessed art thou, daughter, above all women upon the face of the earth' (Judith 13:23). And 'the people all blessed her with one voice, saying: Thou art the glory of Jerusalem, thou are the joy of Israel, thou art the honor of our people.' How much more emphatically shall we, from our hearts, pronounce her blessed above all women who brought forth Him who is the author of all manner of spiritual and eternal blessings to us. She most justly said of herself, in the deepest sense of gratitude to the divine goodness, 'Behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed' (Lk. 1:48)" (Muller)

"Hail, incomparable Mother of Him who deigned to take our flesh! Hail, O most immaculate Mary, that didst bring the fallen world its resurrection! Hail, thou dispeller of sorrow! Hail, thou that givest the faithful their Savior! Hail, most high throne of God! The divinely speaking Prophets revolving in their minds the depth of thy mystery, O Virgin! prophetically foretold it, for they were enlightened by the divine Spirit. We that now joyfully behold their prophecies fulfilled we believe. O Virgin! Thou that art more admirable than all miracles! Thou didst give birth to Him who was before all ages, and who was made like unto us through his great mercy, for he came that he might save them that sing: Blessed art though, the God of our Fathers! All generations of men, keeping to thy most sacred words, call thee Blessed, O most Blessed Mother! And sweetly sing in choral hymns: All ye works of the Lord, bless the Lord! O Virgin, that lovest holy souls! Make mine holy, for it is depraved by the evil of sin: make it good, for thou hast given birth to the good God and Lord." [Hymn in honor of the Virgin Mother (Liturgical Year)]

"Let us not be surprised, therefore, at the enthusiasm and profound respect wherewith the Church extols the Blessed Virgin and her prerogatives. Let us on the contrary be convinced that all the praise the Church can give her, and all the devotion she can ever bear towards her, are far below what is due to her as Mother of the Incarnate God. No mortal will ever be able to describe, or even comprehend, how great a glory accrues to her from this sublime dignity. For, as the glory of Mary comes from her being the Mother of God, one would have first to comprehend God himself in order to measure the greatness of her dignity. It is to God that Mary gave our human nature; it is God whom she had as her Child; it is God who gloried in rendering himself, inasmuch as he is Man, subject to her: hence, the true value of such a dignity possessed by a mere creature, can only be appreciated in proportion to our knowledge of the sovereign perfections of the great God, who thus deigns to make himself dependent upon that favored creature. Let us therefore bow down in deepest adoration before the Majesty of our God; let us therefore acknowledge that we cannot respect as it deserves the extraordinary dignity of her whom he chose for his Mother." (Dom Gueranger) 

"Hail Mary! Sweet hope of the world! Hail, gentle Queen! Hail, loving Mother! Hail, full of grace! Hail peerless Virgin! Imaged in the Bush that burned, yet was not burnt. Hail, lovely Rose! Hail, Jesse's Rod! Whose Fruit broke the chains of our misery. Hail, Holy Mother! For whom God set aside all nature's laws and made thy virginal womb bring forth his Son. Hail, matchless Queen! 'Twas thou didst make the long sad world rejoice. Hail, Beacon of Virgins! Pouring out thy celestial light on them whom tempests toss. Hail, Virgin! Of whom the King of heaven would be born, and suck the food whereon he deigned to live. Hail, Pearl! Hail Heavenly Orb! Hail, Temple of the Holy Ghost! Oh! How wonderful and how venerable is this Virginity! In it shone forth a fruitfulness produced by the Holy Paraclete. And she, the Virgin, how holy! How peaceful! How kind! How lovely must we deem her! By the gift she gave us slavery was abolished, the gate of heaven was opened, and liberty brought back again. O Lily of purity! Pray for us to thy Son, the Savior of the humble. That in the awful judgement he may not sentence us to torments for our sins; but moved by thy holy prayers, may he cleanse us from the dross of sin, and admit us into mansions of eternal light. Amen! Let every Christian say, Amen!" (Sequence)

"We hail thee, O Mary, Mother of God, as the bright gem of the whole creation; the lamp whose light shall never be put out, the crown of virginity, the scepter of orthodox faith, the indestructible temple and shrine of the Infinite, through whom we have received Him whom the Gospels call Blessed, Him who comes in the name of the Lord. Hail Mary, whose spotless and virginal womb bore that infinite One, by whom the Trinity is glorified and the precious Cross honored and adored throughout the earth. Hail Mary, joy of heaven, peace of angels and archangels, terror of demons. Through thee the tempter fell from heaven, through thee the fallen are raised up to heaven. The world was held captive in idolatrous folly, and thou hast opened its eyes to the truth. To thee the faithful owe their baptism, to thee they owe the oil of gladness. Throughout all the earth thou foundest churches and leadest the nations to penance. What shall I say more? It was through thee that the only-begotten Son of God shown forth as the light of those who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death; through thee that the prophets foretold things to come; through thee that the Apostles preached salvation to the nations; through thee that the dead rise again; through thee that kings reign by the grace of the Holy Trinity. What man could ever adequately praise Mary, who is worthy of all praise?" [Triumphal Hymn (Liturgical Year)]

"This sublime and singular privilege of the Blessed Virgin, together with her most excellent innocence, purity, holiness and freedom from every stain of sin, as well as the unspeakable abundance and greatness of all heavenly graces, virtues and privileges - these the Fathers beheld in that ark of Noah, which was built by divine command and escaped entirely safe and sound from the common shipwreck of the whole world; in the ladder which Jacob saw reaching from the earth to heaven, by whose rungs the angels of God ascended and descended, and on whose top the Lord himself leaned; in that bush which Moses saw in the holy place burning on all sides, which was not consumed or injured in any way but grew green and blossomed beautifully; in that impregnable tower before the enemy, from which hung a thousand bucklers and all the armor of the strong; in that garden enclosed on all sides, which cannot be violated or corrupted by any deceitful plots; as in that resplendent city of God, which has its foundations on the holy mountains; in that most august temple of God, which, radiant with divine splendors, is full of the glory of God; and in very many other biblical types of this kind. In such allusions the Fathers taught that the exalted dignity of the Mother of God, her spotless innocence and her sanctity unstained by any fault, had been prophesied in a wonderful manner. In like manner did they use the words of the prophets to describe this wondrous abundance of divine gifts and the original innocence of the Virgin of whom Jesus was born. They celebrated the august Virgin as the spotless dove, as the holy Jerusalem, as the exalted throne of God, as the ark and house of holiness which Eternal Wisdom built, and as that Queen who, abounding in delights and leaning on her Beloved, came forth from the mouth of the Most High, entirely perfect, beautiful, most dear to God and never stained with the least blemish." (Bl. Pope Pius IX, "Ineffabilis Deus", 1854)

"Certainly, in the full and strict meaning of the term, only Jesus Christ, the God-Man, is King; but Mary, too, as Mother of the divine Christ, as His associate in the redemption, in his struggle with His enemies and His final victory over them, has a share, though in a limited and analogous way, in His royal dignity. For from her union with Christ she attains a radiant eminence transcending that of any other creature; from her union with Christ she receives the royal right to dispose of the treasures of the Divine Redeemer's Kingdom; from her union with Christ finally is derived the inexhaustible efficacy of her maternal intercession before the Son and His Father. Hence it cannot be doubted that Mary most Holy is far above all other creatures in dignity, and after her Son possesses primacy over all. 'You have surpassed every creature,' sings St. Sophronius. 'What can be more sublime than your joy, O Virgin Mother? What more noble than this grace, which you alone have received from God'? To this St. Germanus adds: 'Your honor and dignity surpass the whole of creation; your greatness places you above the angels.' And St. John Damascene goes so far as to say: 'Limitless is the difference between God's servants and His Mother.' In order to understand better this sublime dignity of the Mother of God over all creatures let us recall that the holy Mother of God was, at the very moment of her Immaculate Conception, so filled with grace as to surpass the grace of all the Saints. Wherefore, as Our Predecessor of happy memory, Pius IX wrote, God 'showered her with heavenly gifts and graces from the treasury of His divinity so far beyond what He gave to all the angels and saints that she was ever free from the least stain of sin; she is so beautiful and perfect, and possesses such fullness of innocence and holiness, that under God a greater could not be dreamed, and only God can comprehend the marvel.' Besides, the Blessed Virgin possessed, after Christ, not only the highest degree of excellence and perfection, but also a share in that influence by which He, her Son and our Redeemer, is rightly said to reign over the minds and wills of men. For if through His Humanity the divine Word performs miracles and gives graces, if He uses His Sacraments and Saints as instruments for the salvation of men, why should He not make use of the role and work of His most holy Mother in imparting to us the fruits of redemption" (Pope Pius XII, "Ad Caeli Reginam", 1954 A.D.) 

Also See: Immaculate Conception / Sinlessness [Pg.] | Mary's Virtues | No Honor of Mary is Too High | Mary & Grace / Graces | We Should Imitate Mary / Mary is Our Model | The Queenship of Mary | Annunciation / Incarnation [Pg.] | Jesus & Mary [Pg.] | Mary's Maternity [Pg.] | The Blessed Virgin's Intercession [Pg.] | Mary & Eve | Mary Vs. Satan | Mary as Mediatrix / Co-Redemptrix | Devotion to Mary / Devotion to Mary is Recommended | The Assumption of Mary Into Heaven | Marian Facts | Marian Scriptural References | Some Reasons to Honor the Blessed Virgin Mary | Some Thoughts on the Blessed Virgin Mary

Note: Categories are subjective and may overlap. For more items related to this topic, please review all applicable categories. For more 'Reflections' and for Scripture topics, see links below.

Top | Reflections: A-Z | Categ. | Scripture: A-Z | Categ. | Help


Important Notice: Items herein are not comprehensive. Items herein are categorized subjectively and may overlap. We make no guarantees concerning any item herein. We may change punctuation, capitalization, shorten items, etc. and we caution that items herein may be out of context. We recommend reading items in full context in appropriate Catholic materials. Users are reminded that even saints and popes (when not speaking ex cathedra) are not infallible. Inclusion of any item does not necessarily imply our endorsement or agreement.  Consult appropriate, competent Church authorities for assistance in interpreting / applying items herein. Interpretation and application of items herein should not be contrary to the perennial, official teaching of the Roman Catholic Church. Do not take items out of context. Do not inflict harm on yourself or others, break laws, take unsuitable / incautious or inappropriate / drastic actions, or take figurative items literally. We are not responsible for any interpretation / misinterpretation, application / misapplication, use / misuse, etc. of any item. Use of site is at your own risk and is subject to our terms of use. Click here for more important terms/information


We make no guarantees regarding any item herein. By using this site you agree to all terms. For terms information, see "Important Notice" above and click here.

Help | Terms of UseOther FAQs

 

 

Also See...

* Blessed Virgin Mary (Topic Page)

* The Holy Family (Topic Page)

* Apparitions (Topic Page)

* Fatima (Topic Page)

* The Holy Rosary (Topic Page)

* Scapulars (Topic Page)

 

Social Media Sharing

Click the button below to display this page's URL and copy it into your clipboard for sharing...

Click Here For More Information

Troubleshooting

Catholic Community Center 

Completely Free!

Announcements

Answered Prayers

Catholic Basics

Catholic Book Review & Exchange

Catholic Events

Catholic Fun & Activities

Catholic Life

Catholic Links

Catholic News Links / Current Issues

Catholic Seniors

Church Talk

Coming Home

Feed Your Faith

Give & Take

Good News

Increase Holiness

Latin Mass & Catholic Tradition

Mary Our Mother

Non-Catholics

Notable Catholic Laity

Our Father's Love

Personal Stories of Inspiration

Prayer Requests

Prayers & Devotions

Priests & Vocations

Rosary

Sacraments

Saints

Scripture/Parables

Scripture Exchange

St. Francis Page for Pets

Vatican View

Volunteers' Corner

Why I Love Being Catholic

Support Your Community Center

'Pin it'

Notice: Clicking link(s) above

leaves this site

More Information

Problem With Link?

Click to Support Quality Catholic Content - FREE!

Click for Vatican Gifts Starting Under $5.00

Our Pledge To Donors

What Your Donation Might Do

About Us

MCS Directory

(click here)

"Your Source For All Things Catholic!"

Click for Listings from 'Advertising' to 'Wholesalers'

List Your Catholic Product or Catholic Service FREE! Other listings just $24.95/yr.!+

List Your Business+

Sales & Specials

(click here)

'Click to Save on Catholic & Non-Catholic Products and Services'

Place Your Ad+

Classifieds

(click here)

Place Your Ad Today For Just $9.95!+

Announcements

Catholic Buddies

Catholic Organizations / Groups

Catholic Products

Catholic Services

Employment / Occupational

For Sale

Professional Services / Trades

Miscellaneous

Other Products

Other Services

Wanted

More...

 

 

Topic Pages

Click Here

   

Catholic Books & Ebooks

Click Here

   

Catholic Apps

Click Here

 

Reflections (Wisdom From Popes & Saints)

Click Here

 

Help

Click Here

 

'Quick Help' Pages

Click Here

 

Need Help?

'Live Chat'

Click Here

Click Here For Catholic Opinion Polls ~ Cast Your Vote Today!

Home

MCS Daily Digest

Quick Guide to This Site

What's New

Reception Desk

Notices

Topic Pages

'Quick Help' Pages

Books / Ebooks | Apps

Reflections

Help | 'Live Chat'

Coming Soon

Featured Sections

URL Shortcuts

Calendar

Goals / Purpose

This site is really free?

How can I add a "post" here?

Mission Statement

Privacy Statement

Imprimatur Information

Terms of Use

by using this site, you agree to all terms

MCS Directory

Community Center

Commercial Areas

Non-Catholics

About Us

FAQs

Tell a Friend

Invite a Business

Link to Us

My Catholic Source.com Blog & RSS Feed Info.

Third Party Programs

Awards

Feedback

Contact Us

This site powered by bfsnet.com

Powered by bfsnet.com

Now Available!

Catholic Word Search - JUMBO Edition

Click for more information & to purchase

(Original)

Click for more information & to purchase

(Large Print Edition)

100+ Catholic Word Searches (Incl. Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, Jesus, B.V.M., Angels, Saints, Sacraments, Grace, Rosary, Fatima, And More...)

"Relaxing, educational, good for your memory, mind, focus, vocabulary, and good for your soul!"

Get Your Copy Today!

Also Available...

Catholic Word Search - Bilingual Edition: Latin / English

Search Words In Latin, Meanings In English

Click for more information & to purchase

55 Catholic Word Searches ~ "Tradition-Minded, Relaxing & Educational!"

Topics Include: Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, Jesus, B.V.M., Angels, Saints, Sacraments, Rosary & More...

"Perfect For Catholic Teens & Adults!" ~ "Great For Home Schoolers!"

Get Your Copy Today!

Why Latin? / Latin Info.

Click link or image above for more information & to purchase.

And...

Catholic Word Search - Bilingual Edition: French / English

Search Words In French, Meanings In English

Click for more information & to purchase

Absolutely NO Knowledge Of French Is Required!

50+ Catholic Word Searches ~ "Tradition-Minded, Relaxing & Educational!"

Topics Include: Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, Jesus, B.V.M., Angels, Saints, Sacraments, Rosary & More...

"Perfect For Catholic Teens & Adults!" ~ "Great For Home Schoolers!"

Fun for any time! Also great for...

* Planning a Catholic pilgrimage to France

* Learning some (or brushing up on some) French words

* Increasing your French vocabulary

* Adding fun to a homeschool curriculum

* Enjoying a unique challenge, even if you don't speak a word of French!

Free Sample Here

Get Your Copy Today!

Why Learn French?

Click link or image above for more information & to purchase.


Now Available!

4 Great Inspirational Catholic Coloring Books...

Now Available! (Click for more information & to purchase)

Now Available! (Click for more information & to purchase)

Now Available! (Click for more information & to purchase)

Now Available! (Click for more information & to purchase)

Plus These Handy Coloring Books & Resources...

Now Available! (Click for more information & to purchase)

Lots of Love Coloring Book (Vol.1) - 40 Love-Themed / Affirming Coloring Pages (Easy/Fairly Easy) - "Includes a Variety of Coloring Pages Suitable for Children or Adults!" ~ "Great for Sharing!"

Now Available! (Click for more information & to purchase)

My Colors - Easy & Convenient Color Sample Sheets ~ Coloring Resources Book: 125+ Assorted Color Sample Sheets - "Perfect For Testing, Selecting & Organizing Pen, Marker, Pencil or Crayon Colors!"

Now Available! (Click for more information & to purchase)

My Colors 2 - Easy & Flexible Color Combination Grids ~ Coloring Resources Book: 50+ Color Sample Sheets In 3 Grid Sizes - "Perfect For Previewing, Testing & Selecting Pen, Marker, Pencil Or Crayon Color Combinations!"

[Please Note: Proceeds from sales of these books may support My Catholic Source.com]

For More Information & To Purchase, Click Image(s) Above

Click Here For Coloring Examples


Now Available!

700+ Consoling Thoughts From Holy Scripture

"Inspirational & Uplifting!"

Click for more information & to purchase

"Some of the most consoling & comforting words from Holy Scripture, all in one place!"

+ + +

Compiled From Traditional Catholic Scripture (Douay-Rheims Translation)

Get it today!

+ + +

For More Information & To Purchase, Click Link Below...

Kindle Version Just $7.99

Notice: Prices are subject to change without notice and do not include any applicable taxes.


Now Available!

The iStations Book - Stations of the Cross

Click for more information & to purchase

Two Traditional Way of the Cross Methods for Catholics Based on Our 'Best Selling' App

Features beautiful images, TWO traditional methods, including a Franciscan method, selected prayers in English & Latin

Get it today!

For More Information & To Purchase, Click Link Below...

Kindle Version Just $4.99

Notice: Prices are subject to change without notice and do not include any applicable taxes.


Now Available!

Catholic Annual Prayer Book

Click for more information & to purchase

Includes: 365+ Daily Prayers (Jan.-Dec.); Holiday / Seasonal Prayers; Hundreds of Prayers Indexed by Title; Nearly 200 Aspirations / Short Prayers; Over 100 Latin Prayers & Aspirations; 500+ Topics for Meditation; Hundreds of Prayer Tips & Insights; And More...

Includes prayers drawn from Holy Scripture, the liturgy, writings of popes & saints, the Raccolta, the Roman Breviary, the Roman Missal, etc.

A daily prayer companion for Catholics that is 'suitable for any year'!

Kindle Version Just $8.99

Notice: Prices are subject to change without notice and do not include any applicable taxes.

Click Here to Buy


Now Available!

Coloring Book For Catholics: 50+ Latin Prayers

(Beginning - Intermediate - Advanced)

Click for more information & to purchase

"This 'unique', tradition-minded coloring book which contains some of the most popular Catholic prayers in Latin is a fun way to become more familiar with Latin prayers & increase Latin language retention!"

This 'educational & fun' publication is useful for prayerful relaxation, educational recreation ('learn while you play'), becoming more familiar with Latin prayers & hundreds of Latin words, learning or memorizing Latin prayers, increasing Latin retention, and more...

An enjoyable and instructive tool with respect to Latin (the 'beautiful & majestic language of heaven' and 'official language of the Church' - a language 'consecrated' by the inscription on the Cross that helps to foster a universal bond in prayer with Catholics around the world), this publication is suitable for Catholics of most any age.

+ + +

"This Catholic coloring book - which provides hours of wholesome & educational recreation - is so much better for your soul than television!"

+ + +

Notice: Prices are subject to change without notice and do not include any applicable taxes.

Click Here to Buy


Now Available!

My Little Latin Mass Coloring Book

Click for more information & to purchase

25+ Traditional Latin Mass Coloring Images For Children Or Adults [Low Mass]

"Enjoyable & Educational!"

+ + +

Notice: Prices are subject to change without notice and do not include any applicable taxes.

Click Here to Buy


Catholic Classics Reprint Now Available!

In Heaven We Know Our Own - Or, Solace for the Suffering

Now Available! (Click for more information & to purchase)

This 'Catholic Classic', which offers consoling 'proof' that the faithful departed remember, love & care for those in heaven and for those still remaining on earth, is a "great balm of comfort" to those who have lost a spouse, child, parent, friend, or other loved one. "A thoughtful bereavement gift, and a 'must-have' for grieving Catholics!"

Get your copy today!

For More Information & To Purchase, Click Link Below...

Kindle Version Just $2.99!

Notice: Prices are subject to change without notice and do not include any applicable taxes.


Now Available!

Setting The Record Straight About Luther

Important Things Catholics Should Know About The 'Reformer'

Click for more information & to purchase

Don't miss this 'eye-opening' treatise concerning Martin Luther, the catalyst / leader of the ' Reformation ' (a.k.a. Protestant Rebellion)

Includes: Facts which demonstrate that Luther was NOT sent by God, Luther received approval of his teaching from Satan, Luther's misbehavior, some results of Luther's teachings, Luther admits he could be wrong, and more...

Get your copy today!

For More Information & To Purchase, Click Link Below...

Kindle Version Just $5.99

Notice: Prices are subject to change without notice and do not include any applicable taxes.


Now Available!

BIG Book of Latin Activities For Catholics

Beginning - Intermediate (Vol. 1)

Click for more information & to purchase

"Suitable For Children Or Adults!" ~ "Perfect For Home Schoolers!"

+ + +

As many faithful Catholics already know, the majestic Latin language – the 'official language' of the Catholic Church – promotes unity, helps safeguard the purity of doctrine, connects us with our Catholic ancestors, allows us to pray in "one voice", and even ties back to the inscription on the Cross which was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. The Latin language is still used today in the precious treasure that is the Traditional Latin ('Tridentine') Mass, in 'everyday speech' (much of English is derived from Latin), in mottos, in specialized fields, and in educational endeavors. It has been shown that the study of Latin brings many benefits. "And, Latin is truly the language of heaven!"

If you enjoy Latin, you may be glad to know that this full-sized (8.5" x 11"), tradition-minded publication features an assortment of activity types related to Latin (including: word searches, crosswords, coloring activities, challenges, fill-ins, spelling bee, quizzes, unscrambles, true/false, multiple choice, matching, cross-offs, circling, word associations, translation exercises, and more...), and treats of various topics (including: common Latin words, Latin language facts, Latin grammar, nouns & verbs, abbreviations, phrases / sayings / mottos, prefixes, cardinal numbers, grammatical gender, inflection, word roots, diacritics / accenting, pronunciation, Latin prayers / hymns, Scripture verses, Catholic phrases, and more...).

+ + +

" Fun & Educational! "

Get Your Copy Today!

Click Here For More Information & To Purchase


Try Here For Great Catholic Apps!

My Crucifix (Click For More Information)

My Crucifix

For the iPad®, iPhone®,

and iPod touch®...

My Crucifix - Available on the App Store (click to download)

For the iPad®...

My Crucifix for iPad - Available on the App Store (click to download)

Catholic Bible References (Click For More Information)

Catholic Bible References - Available on the App Store (click to download)

Catholic Bible References for Android - Available on Google Play (click to download)

Catholic Bible References for Android - Available at Amazon Appstore for Android (click to download)

iStations / Stations of the Cross (Click For More Information)

iStations - Available on the App Store (click to download)

iStations for Android - Available on Google Play (click to download)

iStations for Android - Available at Amazon Appstore for Android (click to download)

Saints4U (Click For More Information)

Saints4U - Available on the App Store (click to download)

Saints4U for Android - Available on Google Play (click to download)

Saints4U for Android - Available at Amazon Appstore for Android (click to download)

And Other Great Apps...

Simple Note: Do Today (Click For More Information)

Simple Note: Do Today - Available on the App Store (click to download)

Speedy Dial! (Click For More Information)

Speedy Dial! - Available on the App Store (click to download)

Speedy Dial! for Android - Available on Google Play (click to download)

Speedy Dial! for Android - Available at Amazon Appstore for Android (click to download)

Just Checkin' In (Click For More Information)

Just Checkin' In - Available on the App Store (click to download)

Just Checkin' In for Android - Available on Google Play (click to download)

Just Checkin' In for Android - Available at Amazon Appstore for Android (click to download)


Click Here for MyCatholicSource.com Media (Books, Ebooks)

More My Catholic Source.com Media: Books & Ebooks

 

  



Click to shop at Amazon.com in support of MyCatholicSource.com

Click to shop at Amazon.com in support of MyCatholicSource.com [Click this image for Amazon Search - 'Catholic statues'] Click to shop at Amazon.com in support of MyCatholicSource.com [Click this image for Amazon Search - 'Catholic jewelry medals'] Click to shop at Amazon.com in support of MyCatholicSource.com [Click this image for Amazon Search - 'Crucifix'] Click to shop at Amazon.com in support of MyCatholicSource.com [Click this image for Amazon Search - 'Rosary beads'] Click to shop at Amazon.com in support of MyCatholicSource.com [Click this image for Amazon Search - 'Catholic artwork'] Click to shop at Amazon.com in support of MyCatholicSource.com

Notice: Clicking image/links above leaves this site. We do not recommend any website/product/service/seller/etc.

Reminder: Available items may differ from those pictured above.

More Information | Problem With Link?


My Crucifix / My Crucifix for iPad® (Click For More Information)       iStations / Stations of the Cross (Click For More Information)       Catholic Bible References (Click For More Information)       Saints4U (Click For More Information)       Speedy Dial! (Click For More Information)       Just Checkin' In (Click For More Information)

Try Here For Great Catholic Apps!

Click For Android Versions


Click Here for MyCatholicSource.com Media (Books, Ebooks)


Please bookmark this site and visit often! 

| Home | Help | Quick Guide | Reception Desk | About Us | Terms of Use | Our MissionWhat's New |

| FAQs | Notices | MCS Calendar | MCS Daily Digest | Topic Pages | 'Quick Help' Pages |

| Featured Sections | Site Update | Check System Date/Time | URL Shortcuts | Question? |

| Code of Conduct | Privacy Statement | Section Information | Your Posts | Timetables |

| Where to Post | Where to Find Posts | Submission Tips | Contribution Maximums |

| Support This Site | Tell a Friend | Link to Us | Bookmark This Site | Guest Book

| Did You Know? | Site Benefits | Awards | Acknowledgements | Commercial Sections |

| MyCatholicSource.com Blog & RSS Feed Info. | Third Party Programs |

 | Search Site | Join Mailing List | Technical Assistance | Report Technical Problem |

| Post/User Problems | Contact Us | Feedback | Copyright Notice / Permissions |

| Make MyCatholicSource.com Your Default Home Page |

Thank you for being part of over 10,000,000 visitors to MyCatholicSource.com since 2009!  *

Click Here To Help Keep Us Online


Experiencing technical problems with this site? Please click "Report Technical Problem" link above

* Number of visits is based on raw, unfiltered access logs

+All ads subject to our terms. Price indicated may be base price for non-refundable processing fee, excluding tax, optional ad enhancements, etc. "Place your ad" / "list your business" / "list your Catholic product or service free" / etc. is not a guarantee that any ad will appear on this site. Payment of processing fee does not assure appearance of ad on site. References to target cycles (e.g. "just $##.##/yr.") are not guarantees [ads that appear on the site may appear for a longer or shorter time than the indicated target cycles (e.g. from 0 days to multiples of a target cycle)] and are subject to change at any time without notice (either retroactively or on a go-forward basis, either individually / selectively / grouped / or in total).

 

Reminders: You may not copy / distribute (including via e-mail, website, etc.) / sell / etc. information contained on this site (or any images) or use them for any commercial purpose whatsoever. All applicable content is owned by us and is protected by copyright laws. Any unauthorized reproduction / distribution / use of such content is prohibited by law and may result in severe civil and criminal penalties. Note that we reserve the right to prosecute violators to the maximum extent possible. Also note that views of others do not necessarily reflect our views. We make no guarantees regarding any item herein and we not responsible/liable for any consequences which may occur as a - direct or indirect - result of use of this site. By using this site (or associated materials), you agree to hold us harmless for all damages in connection with use of this site (or other materials), regardless of their nature. Remember that we are not a party to others' transactions / activities (including posting, browsing of posts/ads, transfers, contacts / correspondence, etc.) even if information regarding the transactions / activities appears on this site or other materials of ours, and that we do not mediate disputes. You are solely responsible for all consequences of your transactions / activities. Use of this site is at your own risk, with no liability whatsoever to us. By using this site, you agree to all terms. For more terms information, click here.

 

Copyright © 2001-2024, B.F.S. All rights reserved.

MyCatholicSource.com , MyCatholicSource.org , CatholicCommunityCenter.com , CatholicCommunityCenter.org , BFSMedia , BFSApps , and other indicated & related items are trademarks of B.F.S. |  MyCatholicSource.com, BFSApps, and BFSMedia are divisions of B.F.S. | DR10.28.12 11:23:33 -0600LUP