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Veneration of Mary is often misunderstood by Non-Catholics as well as Catholics. And there is actually a lot to explore in this theme.
Veneration for Mary is based on the reference in the Gospel of Luke to Mary as the selected handmaid of the Lord who is greeted and praised by both Elizabeth and the angel Gabriel.
John's Gospel records her presence at the beginning and end of Jesus' public life. Particularly significant is Mary's presence at the Cross, when she received from her dying Son the charge to be mother to the beloved disciple. Catholics interpret that through the disciple, Christ is giving care of Mary to all Christians. The Acts of the Apostles expressly numbers the Mother of Jesus among the women of the first community awaiting Pentecost.
The theological development of devotion to Mary begins as early as Justin Martyr (100–165) followed up by Irenaeus( 130) "the first theologian of the Virgin Mother". Her veneration was sanctioned at the Council of Ephesus in 431. So it is a very ancient aspect of the Cristian faith.
Let's start with this distinction between dulia, latria and hyperdulia.
Dulia is veneration due so saints. Veneration is respect inspired by the dignity, wisdom, dedication, or talent of a person.
Hyperdulia is a special type of veneration due to Mary as the mother of Jesus who is the incarnate Word of God, Son of the Father.
Latria is the highest type of worship or adoration due to God alone. Adoration provides a clear and unequivocal, and therefore better, translation of latria and expression of the absolute sacrificial reverence due to God alone.
One of the most ancient prayers (3rd century):
Veneration for Mary is based on the reference in the Gospel of Luke to Mary as the selected handmaid of the Lord who is greeted and praised by both Elizabeth and the angel Gabriel.
John's Gospel records her presence at the beginning and end of Jesus' public life. Particularly significant is Mary's presence at the Cross, when she received from her dying Son the charge to be mother to the beloved disciple. Catholics interpret that through the disciple, Christ is giving care of Mary to all Christians. The Acts of the Apostles expressly numbers the Mother of Jesus among the women of the first community awaiting Pentecost.
The theological development of devotion to Mary begins as early as Justin Martyr (100–165) followed up by Irenaeus( 130) "the first theologian of the Virgin Mother". Her veneration was sanctioned at the Council of Ephesus in 431. So it is a very ancient aspect of the Cristian faith.
Let's start with this distinction between dulia, latria and hyperdulia.
Dulia is veneration due so saints. Veneration is respect inspired by the dignity, wisdom, dedication, or talent of a person.
Hyperdulia is a special type of veneration due to Mary as the mother of Jesus who is the incarnate Word of God, Son of the Father.
Latria is the highest type of worship or adoration due to God alone. Adoration provides a clear and unequivocal, and therefore better, translation of latria and expression of the absolute sacrificial reverence due to God alone.
Veneration - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
Veneration of Mary in the Catholic Church - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
One of the most ancient prayers (3rd century):
Latin Text | English Translation |
---|---|
Sub tuum praesidium confugimus, Sancta Dei Genetrix. Nostras deprecationes ne despicias in necessitatibus, sed a periculis cunctis libera nos semper, Virgo gloriosa et benedicta | We fly to thy protection, O Holy Mother of God; Do not despise our petitions in our necessities, but deliver us always from all dangers, O Glorious and Blessed Virgin |