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Mary and the Saints

A Rosary Held in a Woman's Hands

Catholic devotion to Mary and the saints involves honoring them through prayer, acts of piety, and recognizing their role as intercessors and examples of holiness. While Mary is venerated with a special level of devotion called hyperdulia, saints are honored with dulia, a lower level of veneration, always subordinate to the worship due to God alone.

Mary's Role

Mary is revered as the Mother of God because she conceived Jesus through the Holy Spirit, making the Incarnation possible. Mary's "yes" to God at the Annunciation is seen as a perfect example of faith and obedience. Mary is considered the spiritual mother of all Christians.

Catholics believe Mary intercedes for them in heaven, praying for their needs and blessings. This belief is based on the idea that Mary, as the mother of Jesus, has a special relationship with him and can ask him for favors. Many Catholics therefore pray to Mary and ask for her help in times of need, such as during illness or difficult times.

Mary’s Unique Veneration
Mary receives hyperdulia, a special veneration, because of her unique role in God's plan of salvation. Mary is honored with numerous titles and feasts, reflecting her unique role and the varied expressions of faith throughout the world. Mary is seen as the co-mediatrix together with Jesus in God’s plan for the salvation of all souls and the world.

Mary has the unique devotion of the Holy Rosary. At St. Brigit’s Community Catholic Church we encourage the saying of the Rosary on a daily basis. In the various Marian apparitions, Mary Herself has proclaimed 15 promises for those of the faithful who say the Rosary daily.

Ways that Catholics can show devotion to Mary include;

Pray the Rosary.

Meditate on the virtues of Mary.

Become familiar with the approved Marian apparitions.

Consecrate yourself to Mary.

Learn about the devotion of women veiling at Mass.

Participate in the First Saturdays devotion.

Read about Mary.

Special devotion prayers also include;

The Memorare

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

Consecration to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

O virgin mother of God, Mary immaculate, we dedicate and consecrate ourselves to you under the title of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.

May this medal be for each one of us a sure sign of your affection for us and a constant reminder of our duties towards you. Ever while wearing it, may we be blessed by your loving protection and preserved in the grace of your son.

O most powerful Virgin, mother of our savior, keep us close to you every moment of our lives. Obtain for us, your children, the grace of a happy death; so that, in union with you, we may enjoy the bliss of heaven forever.

Amen.

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you. (3 times)

Mary and the Saints
Communion of Saints

A Rosary Draped on an Empty Cross Symbols of The Risen Christ and Devotion to Mary

Saints' Role
Saints are also seen as intercessors, praying for the needs of the faithful on earth. Saints are held up as examples of holiness and virtue, inspiring Catholics to live lives of faith and service. Saints are often called upon for specific needs, such as protection, healing, or guidance.

Dulia
Saints receive dulia, a level of veneration that is less than hyperdulia but still important.

Not Worship
It's crucial to remember that devotion to Mary and the saints is not worship, which is reserved for God alone.

Communion of Saints
The Communion of Saints refers to the spiritual union of all Christians, both living and deceased, united in Christ. The Catholic understanding emphasizes the Communion of Saints, a link of love and prayer between those in heaven, purgatory, and on earth. Devotion to Mary and the saints takes many forms, including prayer, rosaries, scapulars, and pilgrimages.

This concept emphasizes the inter-connectedness and mutual support among believers, both on Earth and in heaven, as part of one spiritual body. The communion of saints highlights the shared spiritual life and unity among all Christians, irrespective of their earthly location or state of being (living or deceased).

Christians are considered members of one "mystical body" of Christ, with Christ as the head. This signifies a deep, spiritual connection where each member contributes to the whole and benefits from the whole. The communion encompasses both living Christians and those who have passed on, who are believed to be in a state of eternal life or purgatory.

This concept emphasizes that believers on earth can learn from and be supported by those in heaven, and those in heaven can pray for and intercede for those on earth. The lives of saints (those who have been declared as such by the Church) serve as examples of faith and inspiration for others, as well as a reminder of the possibility of spiritual growth and holiness.

Christians are encouraged to pray to and for the saints, who are believed to be able to intercede on their behalf before God. The communion of saints underscores the shared destiny of all Christians: to live in communion with God and with each other, both now and in eternity.

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