Mariology 101

[DJ_Pius_X]

I have a lot to learn! I recently realized that although we as Catholics believe Mary was a) perpetually a virgin and b) assumed into heaven, I have no idea why exactly we believe this. Is it in the Bible? Church tradition?

Excuse my ignorance! I hope you guys can help me.

 

[ESMDHokie77]

You came to the right place to learn!
The faith section of catholic.com has many good articles on the Marian doctrines.
Also here: philvaz.com/apologetics/a116.htm

a) Perpetually a virgin: Can be held from both Scripture and Tradition

Mary was a consecrated virgin. She was concerned/troubled when the angel told her she would conceive, since she had no plans to “know man”. If she was planning to have relations with Joseph, (she was betrothed to him when the angel came to her), she would have obviously assumed that the Messiah would be conceived by Joseph and herself.

b) Assumed into heaven: Can be held from both Scripture and Tradition

Rev 11 and 12. We see the ark of the covenant in heaven. It would be a bit odd for the material ark of the OLD covenant to be in heaven, but this is the ark of the NEW covenant. A woman, (named Mary)! She carried the new covenant, Jesus!

Peace,
Phil

 

[JRKH]

Primarily, these things are believed by Sacred Tradition, that is, by the consistant teaching of the Church.
There are biblical references, but no “clear statements” supporting the Church teachings on these matters.
You can find biblical and ECF references HERE

Peace
James

 

[DJ_Pius_X]

Thanks a lot!

Another question I have: Why do we call her the “Blessed Virgin Mary”? Isn’t she a saint? If not, why hasn’t she been fully canonized?

 

[JRKH]

Thanks a lot!

Another question I have: Why do we call her the “Blessed Virgin Mary”? Isn’t she a saint? If not, why hasn’t she been fully canonized?

I have thought this too…
I think that the basic answer lies in the fact that her title “Blessed” is given in the Bible ("…all generations shall call me blessed…") and predates our current titles of, “venerable”, "blessed, and “Saint”.

Peace
James

 

[Monica4316]

I have a lot to learn! I recently realized that although we as Catholics believe Mary was a) perpetually a virgin and b) assumed into heaven, I have no idea why exactly we believe this. Is it in the Bible? Church tradition?

Excuse my ignorance! I hope you guys can help me.

I really recommend the book “Hail Holy Queen” by Scott Hahn

here’s a website as well: davidmacd.com/catholic/index2.htm Go to the part about Mary.

and this: catholic.com/library/mary_saints.asp

yes, it’s absolutely in Church Tradition… as for Scripture, - might help to know that when it says that Our Lord had “brothers” - this word also referred to cousins, etc, in that day. (any male relative).

God bless!

 

[ESMDHokie77]

I have thought this too…
I think that the basic answer lies in the fact that her title “Blessed” is given in the Bible ("…all generations shall call me blessed…") and predates our current titles of, “venerable”, "blessed, and “Saint”.

Peace
James

Ha! never thought of it.