Newbie Catholic question

[BJRumph]

Is it in some way “wrong” to be more devoted to one’s patron saint, than Mary?

While I recognize the theological importance of Mary (though perhaps not yet fully), and see her, at a minimum, as a “First among equals” as head of the Communion of Saints; I find that I do not have as much devotion to her than I do for my patron saint. Does this present, in your opinions, a problem for my catholic formation (I am starting rcia this fall, and hope to be in full communion by Easter '06)? I find it easier on the spirit doing a Divine Mercy and the Chaplet of my patron, than in doing the traditional Rosary itself.

What do you think?

Caritas numquam excidit
Inter arma Caritas

 

[cheddarsox]

I think that the church’s point in elevating the saints and Mary is that we follow their example and march on toward the divine. I don’t think it is a problem to feel more comfortable or inspired by one story over another. That is why there are many saints, because there are many stories worthy of serving as example, an example of devotion…to the divine.

I think the danger is that one might get more caught up in the saint and one’s devotion to such, than to the divine. Then the saint become’s an idol rather than an example/intercessor.

Neither Mary or any saint would want you to place your devotion to them above that which in which they find their being…the devine.

cheddar

 

[springbreeze]

cheddarsox:

I think that the church’s point in elevating the saints and Mary is that we follow their example and march on toward the divine. I don’t think it is a problem to feel more comfortable or inspired by one story over another. That is why there are many saints, because there are many stories worthy of serving as example, an example of devotion…to the divine.

I think the danger is that one might get more caught up in the saint and one’s devotion to such, than to the divine. Then the saint become’s an idol rather than an example/intercessor.

Neither Mary or any saint would want you to place your devotion to them above that which in which they find their being…the devine.

cheddar

Dear friend

Your post is the answer and the complete answer.

Love of and devotion to our Blessed Virgin Mother Mary always leads to Christ Jesus.

Thank you Cheddar.

God Bless you and much love and peace to you

Teresa

 

[Genesis315]

While the Church gives other saints “dulia,” Mary gets “hyperdulia” (these are different levels of veneration). Then, of course, God gets “latria,” the adoration due only to Him.

But there’s no requirement on you as an individual.

 

[Dr_Paul]

If you can identify best with your patron saint, and/or feel most comfortable praying for his/her intercession, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. God has truly blessed you by leading you to this saint. I don’t see it as anything different than wanting to talk over something with a best friend rather than your own mother. Mom will always love you and will be there if/when you decide to come to her. But I don’t see how she could be offended by knowing that you are talking to one of her best friends, whom she knows intimately.

By extension, this is similar to why praying to Mary rather than talking directly to Jesus is absolutely acceptable and pleasing to God.

Peace in Christ

 

[cheddarsox]

When I was little I thought the trinity was a really neat idea, because that way there was someone for everyone! A friend in the spirit, a brother in Christ, a father in God and a mother in Mary.

I reasoned that each person had a different need in their life, and God had supplied a helper to fill our needs.

My daddy was a good man, but hardly ever home (worked 16 hour night shifts) so I felt best going to "the big guy"as a child, I had access to a father. I had three brothers…so I have to admit, I didn’t spend too much time talking to Christ in my youthful days, and my mother was a more than constant presence in my life, so the last thing I felt like I needed was another one. LOL.

When I became a teen, my devotion turned more toward the Holy Spirit, as my attentions turned outward from family in my daily life as well. I also had a period of special devotion to the Sacred Heart during High School.

I know I appreciated the many ways in which the divine made it easier for me to “tune in”.

cheddar

 

[BJRumph]

Thank you, everyone, for your responses. I only asked the question due to confusion that was starting to arise from some of the other marian posts that seemed to blur the lines a bit.

As someone who has only recently accepted the notion of the Catholic “Communion of Saints” (as it relates to the dead anyway), I am still, honestly, assimilating the concepts of latria, hyperdulia, and dulia, with the hyperdulia part being the most abstract at this point. Possibly due to my protestant background, I definately haven’t gone “overboard” with my devotion to my patron, and certainly have not crossed into idolatry (the difference between Latria and Dulia quite clear; Hyperdulia, not so much…).

I had asked this question only because of some confusion that was starting to creep in to my thinking. The way that some marianists talk, I was getting the impression that it was Christ first, then “necessarily” Mary, then if you have time, whatever saints you happened to relate to.

Certainly Christ is central, and the goal of all devotion; but I have difficulty with the idea of putting, again necessarily, Mary as a personal #2. Yes, I accept the doctrinal necessity of recognising her position, and I honor that. But it does not inspire my personal devotion.

At any rate, from your collective responses, it does not appear that I will run into problems with the issue. Thank you for your assistance.

Caritas numquam excidit
Inter arma Caritas

 

[Dr_Paul]

I would highly recommend reading the book “True Devotion to Mary” by St Louis De Montfort. In my opinion it is the best book ever written explaining the proper role of Marian devotion.

 

[choirgirl]

cheddarsox:

When I was little I thought the trinity was a really neat idea, because that way there was someone for everyone! A friend in the spirit, a brother in Christ, a father in God and a mother in Mary.

I’m not sure if you meant it to come out that way, but please bear in mind that Mary is NOT part of the blessed Trinity.

 

[Augustine]

BJRumph:

Certainly Christ is central, and the goal of all devotion; but I have difficulty with the idea of putting, again necessarily, Mary as a personal #2. Yes, I accept the doctrinal necessity of recognising her position, and I honor that. But it does not inspire my personal devotion.

FWIW, think of the sequence of events at Canaa: the servants asked Mary’s intercession with Jesus and, although it wasn’t quite the time yet, He aquiesced to her. IOW, Our Lady, the Queen Mother of the Holy King, nudged Our Lord. He did so not because she’s greater than Him, but because she is His earthly mother, therefore deserving His obedience and respect.

As we are children of the Father by adoption, we’re also siblings of Our Lord, therefore, Mary is also our mother by adoption. At Canaa, she told the servants to do whatever Jesus says, and so should we.

HTH