Since the 17th century, the month of May has been commonly dedicated to Our Lady, the Blessed Virgin Mary. Mary played a significant role in the history of salvation, and in the mysteries of Christ and His Church.
The Four Dogmas of Our Lady
Mary is the Mother of God. The Council of Ephesus, in 431 AD, determined that Mary could be called the Mother of God, being that Mary is the Mother of Jesus, and because Jesus is God, Mary is the Mother of God Incarnate.
Mary is the Immaculate Conception. Pope Pius IX officially defined the dogma of the Immaculate Conception as follows: “The Most Holy Virgin Mary was, in the first moment of her conception (by a unique gift of grace and privilege of Almighty God and in view of the merits of Jesus Christ the Redeemer of mankind) preserved free from all stain of original sin.”
The Perpetual Virginity of Mary. “Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14. When the Archangel Gabriel said this to Mary, her response was, “How will this be, since I do not know man?” Luke 1:34. The Archangel explained to Mary that the Holy Spirit would descend upon her and the power of the Most High would overshadow her in order for the conception to occur.
The Assumption. Pope Pius XII defined the dogma of Mary’s Assumption in this way: “Mary, the immaculate perpetual Virgin Mother of God, after the completion of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into the glory of heaven.” This assumption differed from Christ’s ascension. As God, Christ ascended into heaven by His own power. As a creature, Mary was assumed into heaven by God.
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Our Lady of Immaculate ConceptionThis statue gracing your home can lead you to focus more readily on submitting to God’s will, just as Mary did when she told the Archangel Gabriel “Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Be it unto me according to thy word. (Luke 1:38)" |
Fatima Immaculate Heart of MaryOur Lady first appeared to the three shepherd children in Fatima on May 13, 1917. On her second apparition, she revealed her Immaculate Heart. This wooden statue depicting this miracle was carved by artisans in Val Gardena, Italy. |
Brown ScapularThis hand sewn brown scapular brings with it a crucifix, a St. Benedict medal, and a Consecration Prayer to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. Authentic and traditional, the brown scapular is known for assisting Catholics in keeping themselves free from sin. |