Mediatrix of All Graces

[godisgood77]

Hello, not sure if this question should be brought to this forum or not…

This past weekend my Pastor focused his homily on Mary as “Mediatrix of All Graces”. Further, he stated that the Second Vatican Council in Lumen Gentium declared this formally and gave her the title. Now, I’ve read several books about the Council and Lumen Gentium and know that the Council fathers very purposefully stopped short of giving Mary this title and that a commission was formed in 1996 at the request of the Holy See to explore this topic and that it was unanimously decided that it should not be declared that Mary is the Mediatrix of All Graces.

My understanding is that some Catholics give her this title, but that Church does not. I know that there has been a handful of Popes that have used this title in talks, but never declared this formally. Further, I believe there is a petition to dogmatically declare this, but that only about 8 million signatures have been gathered.

My question is two fold… 1) Does the Church teach that Mary is the Mediatrix of All Graces and 2) If not, should I answer my conscience and talk to my Priest about the this as I believe he misstated the Church’s teaching on this… somewhat of a fraternal correction.

Thank-you for your (name removed by moderator)ut.
Dan

 

[godisgood77]

Hello, not sure if this question should be brought to this forum or not…

This past weekend my Pastor focused his homily on Mary as “Mediatrix of All Graces”. Further, he stated that the Second Vatican Council in Lumen Gentium declared this formally and gave her the title. Now, I’ve read several books about the Council and Lumen Gentium and know that the Council fathers very purposefully stopped short of giving Mary this title and that a commission was formed in 1996 at the request of the Holy See to explore this topic and that it was unanimously decided that it should not be declared that Mary is the Mediatrix of All Graces.

My understanding is that some Catholics give her this title, but that Church does not. I know that there has been a handful of Popes that have used this title in talks, but never declared this formally. Further, I believe there is a petition to dogmatically declare this, but that only about 8 million signatures have been gathered.

My question is two fold… 1) Does the Church teach that Mary is the Mediatrix of All Graces and 2) If not, should I answer my conscience and talk to my Priest about the this as I believe he misstated the Church’s teaching on this… somewhat of a fraternal correction.

Thank-you for your (name removed by moderator)ut.
Dan

 

[Saints_Alive]

Hi godisgood77,
Mary, Mediatrix of All Graces ? Yes, she is.

ewtn.com/faith/teachings/marya4.htm
fifthmariandogma.com/co-redemptrix-fifth-marian-dogma/mary-mediatrix-of-all-graces-part-ii/

You may have already read the info on those sites. As Fr Most says, it’s infallible teaching.

 

[snarflemike]

This whole subject bothers me a lot. I have heard the claim that Vatican II deliberately held back from adding “of All Graces” and would love to find documentation on this.

One problem with claiming that the Church teaches any title (for Mary or anyone else) is that there must then be clear teaching as to what that title means. Where is the clear teaching regarding this title? It seems everybody has their own opinion about what it means, which leads to the conclusion that it means nothing.

And as far as the title and the petition, you’ve got to read this site for some background info:

catholicplanet.com/CMA/

 

[Saints_Alive]

And another good explanation
catholic.com/quickquestions/isnt-calling-mary-the-mediatrix-of-all-graces-contrary-to-the-doctrine-that-jesus-is-

 

[Michael_Francis]

Moved to Apologetics where it belongs and merged with duplicate thread.

 

[snarflemike]

Some interesting questions to ask are,

Is Mary mediatrix of the grace she herself received?
Is the very gift of being mediatrix a grace?

 

[Goya]

Hello, not sure if this question should be brought to this forum or not…

This past weekend my Pastor focused his homily on Mary as “Mediatrix of All Graces”. Further, he stated that the Second Vatican Council in Lumen Gentium declared this formally and gave her the title. Now, I’ve read several books about the Council and Lumen Gentium and know that the Council fathers very purposefully stopped short of giving Mary this title and that a commission was formed in 1996 at the request of the Holy See to explore this topic and that it was unanimously decided that it should not be declared that Mary is the Mediatrix of All Graces.

My understanding is that some Catholics give her this title, but that Church does not. I know that there has been a handful of Popes that have used this title in talks, but never declared this formally. Further, I believe there is a petition to dogmatically declare this, but that only about 8 million signatures have been gathered.

My question is two fold… 1) Does the Church teach that Mary is the Mediatrix of All Graces and 2) If not, should I answer my conscience and talk to my Priest about the this as I believe he misstated the Church’s teaching on this… somewhat of a fraternal correction.

Thank-you for your (name removed by moderator)ut.
Dan

My understanding is that the Church approves of the title, though has not formerly declared it as dogma–but pretty much down plays its use, because of the potential for misuse/misconstruction, and due to the attacks on the churhc genereated by the miscontruction by the outside world (i.e.—our seperated brethren). Hence the Church advises a great deal of discretion in its use–but has not ‘disowned’ it altogether.

(oops–I may be confused with ‘co-mediatrix’–not really sure…).

 

[Sirach2]

This whole subject bothers me a lot. I have heard the claim that Vatican II deliberately held back from adding “of All Graces” and would love to find documentation on this.

One problem with claiming that the Church teaches any title (for Mary or anyone else) is that there must then be clear teaching as to what that title means.

We need to speak of Mary in her various titles as the Church speaks of her in Her official documents, most recently Lumen Gentium. You are correct that V-II did not spell out “ALL” graces, and further warned about misleading our separated brethren. While many Catholics may cherish the belief that this title of Mary is dogma, it is not. There are no infallible statements proclaiming this, so to be on the side of caution, we need to express our belierf in line with what the Church has taught. {That would preclude the worthy article by Fr. Most, who is an exemplary theologian, but not the Magisterium.]

1. By her maternal charity, she cares for the brethren of her Son, who still journey on earth surrounded by dangers and cultics, until they are led into the happiness of their true home. Therefore the Blessed Virgin is invoked by the Church under the titles of Advocate, Auxiliatrix, Adjutrix, and Mediatrix. This, however, is to be so understood that it neither takes away from nor adds anything to the dignity and efficaciousness of Christ the one Mediator.
2. Following the study of Sacred Scripture, the Holy Fathers, the doctors and liturgy of the Church, and under the guidance of the Church’s magisterium, let them rightly illustrate the duties and privileges of the Blessed Virgin which always look to Christ, the source of all truth, sanctity and piety. Let them assiduously keep away from whatever, either by word or deed, could lead separated brethren or any other into error regarding the true doctrine of the Church. Let the faithful remember moreover that true devotion consists neither in sterile or transitory affection, nor in a certain vain credulity, but proceeds from true faith, by which we are led to know the excellence of the Mother of God, and we are moved to a filial love toward our mother and to the imitation of her virtues.

 

[godisgood77]

We need to speak of Mary in her various titles as the Church speaks of her in Her official documents, most recently Lumen Gentium. You are correct that V-II did not spell out “ALL” graces, and further warned about misleading our separated brethren. While many Catholics may cherish the belief that this title of Mary is dogma, it is not. There are no infallible statements proclaiming this, so to be on the side of caution, we need to express our belierf in line with what the Church has taught. {That would preclude the worthy article by Fr. Most, who is an exemplary theologian, but not the Magisterium.]

1. By her maternal charity, she cares for the brethren of her Son, who still journey on earth surrounded by dangers and cultics, until they are led into the happiness of their true home. Therefore the Blessed Virgin is invoked by the Church under the titles of Advocate, Auxiliatrix, Adjutrix, and Mediatrix. This, however, is to be so understood that it neither takes away from nor adds anything to the dignity and efficaciousness of Christ the one Mediator.
2. Following the study of Sacred Scripture, the Holy Fathers, the doctors and liturgy of the Church, and under the guidance of the Church’s magisterium, let them rightly illustrate the duties and privileges of the Blessed Virgin which always look to Christ, the source of all truth, sanctity and piety. Let them assiduously keep away from whatever, either by word or deed, could lead separated brethren or any other into error regarding the true doctrine of the Church. Let the faithful remember moreover that true devotion consists neither in sterile or transitory affection, nor in a certain vain credulity, but proceeds from true faith, by which we are led to know the excellence of the Mother of God, and we are moved to a filial love toward our mother and to the imitation of her virtues.

Thanks for the responses… It sounds like the Church does not disapprove of the title, but certainly doesn’t declare that all graces come through Mary as truth.

I appreciate the numerous links. I have read many of them previously, but didn’t see anything that wasn’t subjective.

 

[TimothyH]

Thanks for the responses… It sounds like the Church does not disapprove of the title, but certainly doesn’t declare that all graces come through Mary as truth.

I appreciate the numerous links. I have read many of them previously, but didn’t see anything that wasn’t subjective.

While the Church does not explicitly teach that all graces come through Mary, it does not explicitly deny it either.

Many individuals believe it so. I happen to be one of them, though I am nobody, and could use some of those graces right now.

-Tim-

 

[Sirach2]

While the Church does not explicitly teach that all graces come through Mary, it does not explicitly deny it either.

Many individuals believe it so. I happen to be one of them, though I am nobody, and could use some of those graces right now.

That’s true, Tim. It is not part of the Deposit of Faith, required for belief or salvation. It is of devotion, but not dogma. I think the point in question is the use of the word “ALL” graces come through Mary. Fr. Most’s references do cite previous Popes, but the word ALL is missing from these statements.

One of his examples:
**

1. Leo XIII, Encyclical, Supremi Apostolatus officio. Sept 1, 1883
   **We judge nothing more powerful and better for this purpose than by religion and devotion to deserve well of the great Mother of God, the Virgin Mary, who is the treasurer sequestra] of our peace with God, and the mediatrix administra] of graces…

Note that the word “all” is not written in these types of encyclicals. Yet it is very true that Mary is the mediatrix, as V-II acknowledged.

I truly believe, as we all should, that the Spirit inspired the holy Concillors who wrote the document Lumen Gentium, ratified by Pope Paul VI. This document, being the latest official statement of the Church, is the teaching that we must follow - until or unless - there is further clarification by way of a Motu Proprio or infallible dogma issued, such as the Immaculate Conception or the Assumption.

 

[Ron_Conte]

Dr. Mark Miravalle’s position (as I understand it) is that Mary is not the Mediatrix of graces that flow from the Divine Nature to the human nature of Christ, within the hypostatic union, and also that Mary is not the Mediatrix of graces that she herself receives. But she is the Mediatrix of all graces to fallen sinners (and to the holy angels). That is my position also.

 

[godisgood77]

That’s true, Tim. It is not part of the Deposit of Faith, required for belief or salvation. It is of devotion, but not dogma. I think the point in question is the use of the word “ALL” graces come through Mary. Fr. Most’s references do cite previous Popes, but the word ALL is missing from these statements.

One of his examples:
**

1. Leo XIII, Encyclical, Supremi Apostolatus officio**. Sept 1, 1883
   We judge nothing more powerful and better for this purpose than by religion and devotion to deserve well of the great Mother of God, the Virgin Mary, who is the treasurer sequestra] of our peace with God, and the mediatrix administra] of graces…

Note that the word “all” is not written in these types of encyclicals. Yet it is very true that Mary is the mediatrix, as V-II acknowledged.

I truly believe, as we all should, that the Spirit inspired the holy Concillors who wrote the document Lumen Gentium, ratified by Pope Paul VI. This document, being the latest official statement of the Church, is the teaching that we must follow - until or unless - there is further clarification by way of a Motu Proprio or infallible dogma issued, such as the Immaculate Conception or the Assumption.

Sirach - thanks for the reply. This is how I understand I it as well…the word “ALL” is the operative word here and it is not included in the Church’s teaching.

 

[Ron_Conte]

Pope Pius XI: “Let them pray to Him, interposing likewise the powerful patronage of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mediatrix of all graces, for themselves and for their families, for their country, for the Church…” Caritate Christi Compulsi, n. 31]

 

[Sirach2]

Dr. Mark Miravalle’s position (as I understand it) is that Mary is not the Mediatrix of graces that flow from the Divine Nature to the human nature of Christ, within the hypostatic union, and also that Mary is not the Mediatrix of graces that she herself receives. But she is the Mediatrix of all graces to fallen sinners (and to the holy angels). That is my position also.

As has been said earlier in this thread, this is not part of the Deposit of Faith, required for belief or salvation. It is of devotion, but not dogma. The citation from Pius XI was not a formal declaration of Mary being Mediatrix of all graces - period - but rather a side remark in a writing about the Sacred Heart, wherein he alluded to the meaning that many have believed (including you) though it is not required of us. We cannot point to this, as you have done, and use it as a solemn teaching of the RCC, particularly since V-II did not give that title to Mary, though it was within their power to do so.

Also mentioned was the warning formally expressed in L.G.#67: “Let them assiduously keep away from whatever, either by word or deed, could lead separated brethren or any other into error regarding the true doctrine of the Church.”

Incidentally, why would “holy angels” require any graces, whether from the Lord or from Mary? They are spirits who serve the Most High and have no need of special grace.

 

[Abu]

godisgood77 May 16, '13, 4:20 am
Does the Church teach that Mary is the Mediatrix of All Graces

Vatican II in Lumen Gentium, 62 (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church) taught that Mary is the Mediatrix of All Graces by the footnote which gave the teaching of Leo XIII, St Pius X, and Pius XII, all of whom so taught as Fr Most affirms.

The three titles Mediatrix, Coredemptrix, and Advocate are all used by the Magisterium, an indisputable sign of approval of this doctrine. Prior to Vatican II, the four Marian dogmas (her divine Maternity, Perpetual Virginity, Immaculate Conception and Assumption) do not of themselves betoken any conspicuously ecclesial or “social” role of Mary. But during the Council we witnessed a “subtle shift” when Pope Paul proclaimed Mary as “Mother of the Church.” His words received a unique standing ovation. Then the Council annunciated in its own name Mary as “Mediatrix” - again, a title that by definition is more than strictly personal to her.

Some have noted that the Council simply said “Mediatrix”, and did not add “of all graces.” Yet the Council did teach that truth, in two ways. First, it added a footnote referring us to teachings of Leo XIII, St. Pius X, and Pius XII, who did teach she was Mediatrix of all graces.23 Second, in section 25 of the same Constitution on the Church, it insisted that all such papal teachings, even those that are not defined, require even our internal belief, and not just external compliance. The Council would (and could) not have so done if this was merely the expression of personal opinions by these Popes. The Council teaches that she was eternally united with Jesus in the decree for the Incarnation, and thus from eternity before time began and through all eternity (59). Thereby it reaffirmed – not that it was necessary – all the teachings of such great Marian Popes as St. Pius X and Pius XII. Actually, there are twelve papal texts speaking of Mary as Mediatrix of all graces. [See *Our Father’s Plan, 1988, Trinity Communications, p 92-93]

 

[Sirach2]

Vatican II in Lumen Gentium, 62 (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church) taught that Mary is the Mediatrix of All Graces by the footnote which gave the teaching of Leo XIII, St Pius X, and Pius XII, all of whom so taught as Fr Most affirms.

I acknowledge your belief, Abu, and since it is not of essence for salvation, nor is it dogma solemnly proclaimed, you may sincerely believe it. The faithful, who are not obligated to believe this as de fide teaching, may rightfully disagree with this view.

If the Council had wanted to set forth a more solemn teaching than just to bestow the title Mediatrix, it would not have hidden it in a footnote that few would read. Nor would they have issued the warning in Article 67.

Earlier in the thread, it was noted that Leo XIII did not use Mary’s title in conjunction with the word “all.”

1. Leo XIII, Encyclical, Supremi Apostolatus officio. Sept 1, 1883
   We judge nothing more powerful and better for this purpose than by religion and devotion to deserve well of the great Mother of God, the Virgin Mary, who is the treasurer sequestra] of our peace with God, and the mediatrix administra] of graces…

There were other references by Fr. Most that gave the opinion of certain saints, who with Fr. Most, are not the Magisterium, but who held that view, as you do. Many during the centuries prior to the proclamation of the I.C. or Assumption, believed in these also. But until they were proclaimed, it was not of obligation to believe. Interestingly, St. Thomas Aquinas did not believe in the I.C. That’s what we are saying, I think – that nobody can be held accountable for that which is not set forth de fide.

I do not consider that bestowing the title Mediatrix using the word “ALL” graces, bears anything near the solemn weight of I.C. or her Assumption, which are truly articles of faith that are of obligation to believe. The former is not dogma, but rather pious belief. Until then, I pray that folks will not press their belief upon the faithful with more authority than the popes who have not dogmatized this. It is not something that a layman or clergy should be spreading as gospel. That duty of defining a doctrine belongs only to the Magisterium.

 

[Sirach2]

One last point …
In the CCC which embraces the teaching of V-II, we find in #969 these words concerning Mary:

969 “This motherhood of Mary in the order of grace continues uninterruptedly from the consent which she loyally gave at the Annunciation and which she sustained without wavering beneath the cross, until the eternal fulfillment of all the elect. Taken up to heaven she did not lay aside this saving office but by her manifold intercession continues to bring us the gifts of eternal salvation. . . . Therefore the Blessed Virgin is invoked in the Church under the titles of Advocate, Helper, Benefactress, and Mediatrix.”

Again, in #971 we see the gospel echoed in Mary’s words, “All generations will call me Blessed.” The church has honored her with the title ‘Mother of God’ from the most ancient times. Yet the CCC says nothing further about the title of Mediatrix.

Although Abu refers to popes in previous centuries, we have an entire encyclical on the Cult of Mary written by Paul VI who was present at the Council when L.G. 62 was defined. Not a word can be found in this document from which a person can claim belief in this title word “all” graces. We truly need to align our faith with what the Church has taught.

 

[Abu]

Sirach2 Sunday 26/5/13, 9:29 pm #17
nor is it dogma solemnly proclaimed
Many during the centuries prior to the proclamation of the I.C. or Assumption, believed in these also. But until they were proclaimed, it was not of obligation to believe.

First the enormous error into which some Catholics have fallen:
If we were taught to “believe”, or assent to, only what is dogma we would be in real trouble.

The three levels of teaching are:

1. Dogma – infallible (Canon #750.1) to be believed with the assent of divine and Catholic faith.
2. Doctrine – infallible (Canon #750.2) requires the assent of ecclesial faith, to be “firmly embraced and held”.
3. Doctrine – non-definitive (non-infallible) and requires intellectual assent (“loyal submission of the will and intellect”, Vatican II, *Lumen Gentium 25), not an assent of faith. [See the Explanatory Note on ATF by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith]

The CCC #88 (1997) clearly combines exactly with Pope John Paul’s Motu Proprio (= on his own authority) Apostolic Letter Ad Tuendam Fidem, 1998 (ATF), which requires the assent of divine and Catholic faith to believe (credenda sunt) dogmas (a category one truth) (Canon #750.1).
A category 2 truth requires the assent of ecclesial faith, as a secondary truth, “proposed definitively” (definitive proponuntur) to be “firmly embraced and held” (now Canon 750.2). In fact, the 1983 revision of Canon Law had replaced in #749.3 “dogmatically declared or defined” with “infallibly defined”, thus NOT expressing a limitation of infallibility to dogmas. ATF better enables Canon Law to apply to the understanding of infallibility including the Profession of Faith covering the two categories of infallible doctrine.

There are DOGMAS which have to be believed on divine and Catholic faith and which are infallible.
There are defined DOCTRINES which have to be held on the faith of the Church and which are infallible. They are certainly not dogmas.
There are DOCTRINES which are not defined and which are to be given a submission of will and intellect to the teaching authority of the Church as divinely instituted. The faithful are required to give religious assent, which is not as certain as theological assent, but yet morally obligatory.

I do not consider that bestowing the title Mediatrix using the word “ALL” graces, bears anything near the solemn weight of I.C. or her Assumption, which are truly articles of faith that are of obligation to believe. The former is not dogma, but rather pious belief.

So now we see that, as already clarified, no mistaken idea of dogma is involved, but as Fr Most shows ‘we turn to the second of the texts to which the Council refers us, the Ad diem illum of Pope St. Pius X. He wrote this Encyclical to solemnly commemorate the 50th anniversary of the definition of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception. After describing the terrible sorrows of Mary with her Son beneath the Cross, the Holy Pontiff continues:9 “Now from this common sharing of will and suffering between Christ and Mary, she ‘merited to become most worthily the Reparatrix of the lost world,’ and therefore, Dispensatrix of all the gifts which Jesus gained for us by His death and His blood.” ’

As Frs Rumble and Carty point out in their Radio Replies, “it is not just a pious opinion… it must be regarded as the accepted Catholic doctrine and the safe and common teaching of the Church.”
[See #384: Radio Replies | Catholic Apologetics Online | Rumble & Carthy]