In our last edition, we gave a prelude to this sacred mystery (Immaculate Conception) enacted by God for the salvation of humanity. This second edition focuses on the definition of this mystery; which is linked to the doctrines of Divine Motherhood and Perpetual Virginity of our Lady which is part of the Christological doctrine.
The solemn definition of Mary's Immaculate Conception was proclaimed as an independent dogma by Pope Pius IX in his Apostolic Constitution "Ineffabilis Deus" on December 8, 1854. Though highlighting a privilege of Mary, it stresses the dignity and holiness required to become "Mother of God." The privilege of the Immaculate Conception is the source and basis for Mary's all-holiness as Mother of God.
More specifically, the dogma of the Immaculate Conception states "that the most Blessed Virgin Mary, from the first moment of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege from Almighty God and in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, was kept free of every stain of original sin."
This dogma has both a "negative" and a "positive" meaning which complement each other. The "negative" meaning stresses Mary's freedom from original sin thanks to the anticipated or retroactive (here called preventive) grace of Christ's redemptive act. By the same token, the dogma suggests Mary's all-holiness. This "positive" meaning is the consequence of the absence of original sin. Mary's life is permanently and intimately related to God, and thus she is the all-holy.
Although difficult to explain, original sin provokes disorderliness in thought and behavior, especially with regard to the primacy of God's presence in our life. Consequently, in declaring Mary immaculately conceived, the Church sees in Mary one who never denied God the least sign of love. Thus, the dogma declares that from her beginning Mary was exceptionally holy and in constant union with the sanctifying grace of the Holy Spirit.
Beloved in Christ, watch for Marian Catechesis next week Sunday on on Our Lady's Annunciation and Visitation.
Let us pray
Lord Jesus, through the maternal intercession of Your beloved Mother, grant we beseech Thee the grace of constant hope in God amidst challenges of life. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
© The ARCHIVE 15052022
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