Catholics have a devotion to Mary that is unlike any other devotion in the Christian faith. There are three main reasons why Catholics are so devoted to her.
First and foremost, Catholics believe that Mary is the mother of Jesus Christ. This belief is based on scripture and tradition. In the Gospel of Luke, we read that Mary was visited by an angel who told her that she would give birth to the Son of God (Luke 1:26-38). This event is known as the Annunciation. Catholics believe that Mary was a virgin when she gave birth to Jesus. This belief is based on scripture and tradition as well. In the Gospel of Luke, we read that the angel Gabriel told Mary, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God” (Luke 1:35). This event is known as the Incarnation.
Catholics also believe that Mary was a sinless human being. This belief is based on scripture and tradition as well. In the Gospel of Luke, we read that when Mary went to visit Elizabeth, Elizabeth said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb” (Luke 1:42). This event is known as the Visitation.
Catholics also believe that Mary was assumed into heaven. This belief is based on scripture and tradition as well. In the Gospel of Luke, we read that when Jesus was dying on the cross, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold your son” (John 19:26). This event is known as the Crucifixion. After Jesus died and rose from the dead, he ascended into heaven. Mary was not with the disciples when Jesus ascended into heaven. This event is known as the Ascension.
The belief that Mary was assumed into heaven is based on the belief that she was assumed body and soul into heaven. This means that her body did not decay like other human bodies when Mary died. Instead, her body was taken up into heaven.
Devotion to Mary is based on the belief that she was a sinless human being who was assumed into heaven. Catholics believe that Mary is the mother of God and that she intercedes for us with her son, Jesus. Devotion to mary is a central part of the Catholic faith and practice.
