Alphonsus worshipped Mary?

[ahs]

…the English word for ‘worship’ covers a lot of ground. …

OK. I’ll bite. Could you please spell it out for us. Since the text says that he worships her, what exactly is the problem that you have with that?

OP,

The concern is a real one with non-Catholics (and Catholics) who are not familiar with pre-20th century English…especially those in America where “worship” is typically used for only one meaning.

Ligouri wrote some beautifully poetic and loving words about the Mother of Christ, our own spiritual Mother. What seems to get lost on some folks is the fact that 1) it was a beautiful form of prose and not idolatry (think about a husband who praises and professes himself to his wife) and 2) the word “worship” can mean very different things.

As was noted right away in this thread, the word “worship” is used in Scripture to denote “honor”. Not only in the citation given, but look at 2Kings 4:37 where the widow prostrates herself and “worshiped” Elisha. Some translations say “bowed down” or “paid homage”.

Did Ligouri “worship” Mary? Sure, in the same sense that you and I “worship” (dulia) a judge when we say “Your Honor” or “Yes, sir”. Except, since Mary is the Mother of God, and God honored her by making her the Mother of our Lord, we praise her more than we would a judge (hyper-dulia). However, we reserve the worship (latria, a.k.a. adoration) due to God alone for God alone.

 

[JoeT777]

OP,

The concern is a real one with non-Catholics (and Catholics) who are not familiar with pre-20th century English…especially those in America where “worship” is typically used for only one meaning.

That’s not all together true, “worship” in English has varying different connotations. I gave an example of one; e.g. a sibling that ‘worships’ his brother or sister. If I were to say I worship my wife would conclude I light candles and perform rituals? Many Protestant who go to meeting, ‘worship’ their preacher.

The controversy is nothing more than a wedge issue, contrived and meaningless. Protestants don’t wish to recognize Mary’s role in their in the salvation of the faithful. She was a conduit for all grace, because grace came in the Divine person of Christ who was born of a woman. It is the Incarnation they dishonor. “Truth exists; the Incarnation happened.” [Warren H. Carroll].

There is a battle in heaven and on earth, and the Holy Mother of God is one of the primary controversies. Satan cannot abide in Mary, her very name defeats him; defeat her and John 1:14 becomes ‘symbol’ along with the rest of the Protestant faith.

JoeT

 

[FrancesDS]

Thank you all SO much! The responses have been incredibly helpful!!
As to the question about the book and edition, he says it is The Glories of Mary by Liguori but he says that it is his friends book so he does not know the year/edition or translation/version. Sounds to me like his friend sent him this picture and he actually does not have the book himself.

But THANK YOU all again!
The comments have been fantastic and have given me great talking points!!