Marian Devotion - A means of guiding souls to Christ

Today in the vatican, Pope Benedict reaffirmed the greatness of Marian Devotion. This devotion is often attacked or questioned by non-Catholic-Christians because of confusion, lack of understanding, or dogmatic dis-belief. I think that with a more detailed explanation and a true understanding of Mary's purpose in the world we all could be satisfied with the devotion Catholics have.

The Pope today summarized her role within the Church by quoting Pope Paul:

" The Blessed Virgin Mary 'Mother of the Church,'devotion to Mary...is an ordained means of guiding souls to Christ and thus join them with the Father, in the love of the Holy Spirit’."

It is important to understand that Catholic devotion to Mary isn't some cultish-superstition where it is thought that it gives us a second "god" to pray to. Instead she was given to us as a means, as an inspiration and comfort. If you look to the bible for your inspiration and instruction, you will find the support for this. For when Christ gave Mary to us, He was upon the cross. Really, it is the ultimate circle of devotion and love.


Mary said Her, "YES" to God when she accepted her role as the vessel of Christ. Christ then asked us to say "YES" to her when he said, "Behold this is your Mother." Therefore we too must accept Her, and accept the role She is supposed to play in our lives. Many theologians explain that when we pray, asking Mary and the saints for intercession we should do so not with the understanding or belief that it somehow is necessary. Instead, we should view it like we would when we ask anyone else for prayers. Yet, by asking someone like Mary to pray for us, we know that She is favored by God. Again though, that doesn't mean that are prayers are "better" or "extra" but instead it gives comfort and consolation to us. It adds a deeper dimension to our faith, it adds a sense of certainty to our prayers, not in their outcome but in their delivery to God.

Therein lies the guidance of souls to Christ. When those devoted to Mary experience that dimension of faith and certainty, they acceptance and belief in Christ and God grows. For when we accept and believe the certainty of prayer, that certainty stems from the belief in a God who answers those prayers. So Mary should not be seen and some idol or cult, but instead as symbol and role model. Our devotion to her should not be seen as some sort of statement that diminishes the power and greatness of God, but should be seen as the addition and support of God. For in our devotion we are not saying that we need more than God can give... we are accepting that God gives us what we need, for we are unstable and insecure.