The Cult of Mary
Early Marian Spirituality
• In the early Church
Fathers Mary is
primarily seen in her
role in salvation
history. Mary is the
new Eve who gives
birth to the new
Adam.
Mary as Model
• “Let it be done to me
according to your
word” becomes the
model response to
the presence of
God.
The Cult of Mary during the
Middle Ages
• Hypothesis 1: The
rise of the feminine
in human
consciousness.
The Cult of Mary during the
Middle Ages
• Hypothesis 2: A new
emphasis on the
humanity of Christ
included the fact
that he had a
mother and a
relationship with her.
The Cult of Mary during the
Middle Ages
• Hypothesis 3: Many
people who did not
have the time, skills,
and training to
respond to an
intellectual approach
to God were open to
a more personal and
devotional path.
The Cult of Mary during the
Middle Ages
• Hypothesis 4: If
Jesus were a king,
then who was his
queen? Mary
recognized as the
Queen Mother, and
eventually queen of
heaven and earth.
The Cult of Mary during the
Middle Ages
• Hypothesis 5: The
rise of romantic
movement as it
regards knights and
their devotion to a
lady and the
troubadour
movement.
Mary as Intercessor
• The Memorare:
“Remember, O most
gracious Virgin Mary,
that never was it known
that anyone who fled to
your protection,
implored your help or
sought your
intercession was left
unaided.”
Mary Today: Mediatrix and
Spiritual Mother
• Mary began the
work of salvation by
agreeing to bear
Jesus and she
continues to
cooperate by
working to make
Jesus present in the
world.
Mary Today: Mediatrix and
Spiritual Mother
• Mary is a mother in
that she teaches
Christians to also
become mothers of
Christ and bring
Jesus into the world
and thus help to
bring about
salvation.
Conclusion
• Mary as a
connection to the
Holy Spirit
Conclusion
• Mary as a
connection to the
Holy Spirit
• Mary as “first among
equals” in the
community of saints.
Conclusion
• Mary as a connection to
the Holy Spirit
• Mary as “first among
equals” in the
community of saints.
• Mary is not divine and is
not to be worshipped.
Conclusion
• Mary as a connection to
the Holy Spirit
• Mary as “first among
equals” in the
community of saints.
• Mary is not divine and is
not to be worshipped.
• The Orthodox
Church shares the
Roman Catholic
veneration of Mary.
Some Protestants
are showing
renewed interest in
Marian studies and
devotions.
Conclusion
• Mary as a connection to
the Holy Spirit
• Mary as “first among
equals” in the
community of saints.
• Mary is not divine and is
not to be worshipped.
• The Orthodox Church
shares the Roman
Catholic veneration of
Mary. Some Protestants
are showing renewed
interest in Marian
studies and devotions.
• Mary as a modern
version of the perennial
earth mother and
goddess traditions.