"Two artisans — the Holy Spirit and the most holy Virgin Mary..."

[MariaChristi]

…“He was conceived by the Holy Spirit . . . of the Virgin Mary.” That is the way Jesus is always conceived. That is the way He is reproduced in souls. He is always the fruit of Heaven and earth. Two artisans — the Holy Spirit and the most holy Virgin Mary — must concur in the work that is at once God’s masterpiece and humanity’s supreme product. Both the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary are necessary to souls, for they are the only ones who can reproduce Christ.

Undoubtedly, the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary sanctify us in different ways. The first is the Sanctifier by essence, because He is God, who is infinite sanctity, and because He is the personal Love that completes, so to speak, the sanctity of God, consummating His life and His unity; and it belongs to Him to communicate to souls…

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The above quote is taken from the preface of Archbishop Martinez’s book,True Devotion to the Holy Spirit. I think I will order the e-book because I have been praying over this unique union of the Holy Spirit and Mary, having already been blessed by St. Louis de Montfort and St. Maximilian Kolbe’s writings. Archbishop Martinez wrote:

… The Virgin Mary, for her part, is the cooperator, the indispensable instrument in and by God’s design. From Mary’s maternal relation to the human body of Christ is derived her relation to His Mystical Body, which is being formed through all the centuries until the end of time, when it will be lifted up to the heavens, beautiful, splendid, complete, and glorious.

These two, then, the Holy Spirit and Mary, are the indispensable artisans of Jesus, the indispensable sanctifiers of souls. Any saint in Heaven can cooperate in the sanctification of a soul, but his cooperation is not necessary, not profound, and not constant. But the cooperation of these two artisans of Jesus of whom we have just been speaking is so necessary that, without it, souls are not sanctified (and this by the actual design of Providence) and so intimate that it reaches to the very depths of our soul. For the Holy Spirit pours charity into our heart, makes a habitation of our soul, and directs our spiritual life by means of His gifts. The Virgin Mary has the efficacious influence of Mediatrix in the most profound and delicate operations of grace in our souls. And, finally, the action of the Holy Spirit and the cooperation of the most holy Virgin Mary are constant; without them, not one single character of Jesus would be traced on our souls, no virtue would grow, no gift would be developed, no grace would increase, no bond of union with God would be strengthened in the rich flowering of the spiritual life.

Such is the place that the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary have in the order of sanctification. Therefore, Christian piety should put these two artisans of Christ in their true place, making devotion to them something necessary, profound, and constant.

Have you ever had the experience of hearing or reading words from another person and you knew the words were true in the depths of your heart, but you could not articulate it as well as this person? Reading just this excerpt from Archbishop Martinez’s book was such an experience for me!

 

[Richard_White]

Yes, Archbishop Martinez does a wonderful job of articulating the Truth of Blessed Mary’s cooperation with the Hoy Spirit in bestowing grace upon us and guiding us to the Light of Jesus, our Lord and Master.

May God bless you abundantly and forever!

 

[MariaChristi]

Yes, Archbishop Martinez does a wonderful job of articulating the Truth of Blessed Mary’s cooperation with the Hoy Spirit in bestowing grace upon us and guiding us to the Light of Jesus, our Lord and Master.

May God bless you abundantly and forever!

Dear Richard,

Thanks for your reply. My husband ordered the e-book for me. It was cheaper on Amazon see HERE.

Since we have a kindle, I’m delighted to have begun reading the book today!

What a bargain to have such a book at only $4.99! Have you read anything else by Archbishop Martinez? If you use the link to Amazon, you can preview the Translator’s preface and Chapter One of, “True Devotion to the Holy Spirit”. When I read just a part of Chapter One as a preview, I decided I wanted to read the entire book. As I read more, God willing, I’ll try to share more of the Archbishops words here or on other threads!

 

[Richard_White]

Dear Richard,

Thanks for your reply. My husband ordered the e-book for me. It was cheaper on Amazon see HERE.

Since we have a kindle, I’m delighted to have begun reading the book today!

What a bargain to have such a book at only $4.99! Have you read anything else by Archbishop Martinez? If you use the link to Amazon, you can preview the Translator’s preface and Chapter One of, “True Devotion to the Holy Spirit”. When I read just a part of Chapter One as a preview, I decided I wanted to read the entire book. As I read more, God willing, I’ll try to share more of the Archbishops words here or on other threads!

No, I have never read anything by Archbishop Martinez before, but, after reading the quote that you resented, I might look into his works some more!

 

[Sirach2]

Archbishop Martinez wrote:
These two, then, the Holy Spirit and Mary, are the indispensable artisans of Jesus, the indispensable sanctifiers of souls.

But the cooperation of these two artisans of Jesus of whom we have just been speaking is so necessary that, without it, souls are not sanctified (and this by the actual design of Providence) and so intimate that it reaches to the very depths of our soul.

And, finally, the action of the Holy Spirit and the cooperation of the most holy Virgin Mary are constant; **without them, not one single character of Jesus would be traced on our souls . . **

Dear Maria,
It is disturbing that you present these comments as an absolute truth, whereas the Church does not teach this. While I appreciate your deep love for Mary, I also share this devotion, since Carmelites are called to uniquely honor her as a call within our very vocation. However, we must be very careful not to exceed what is taught by the Church, in order to adopt pious, but erroneous teachings by other advocates of Mary.

V-II’s Lumen Gentium sets for these limits to our devotion to Mary.
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.

Taken up to heaven she did not lay aside this salvific duty, but by her constant intercession continued to bring us the gifts of eternal salvation.(15*) 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.(16*) 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.

The Church does not hesitate to profess this subordinate role of Mary. It knows it through unfailing experience of it and commends it to the hearts of the faithful, so that encouraged by this maternal help they may the more intimately adhere to the Mediator and Redeemer.
In the last paragraph, we understand from Lumen Gentium the subordinate role of Mary, whereas you are proclaiming (by reprinting Archbishop’s words) an extraordinary sanctification that is impossible without Mary; i.e., “without it, souls are not sanctified.”

 

[MariaChristi]

Dear Sirach2,

Sorry to read you were disturbed, by Archbishop Martinez’s words from his book, True Devotion to the Holy Spirit. Perhaps this article on the holy Archbishop may help:

Mexico City, Mexico, Apr 25, 2011 / 02:06 pm (CNA).- Cardinal Norberto Rivera Carrera announced that the remains of the Servant of God Luis Maria Martinez will be exhumed as part of the late archbishop’s cause for canonization.

Cardinal Rivera issued a decree explaining that Archbishop Martinez’s cause for canonization is currently before Vatican officials, reported the Archdiocese of Mexico City’s news service. The cardinal noted that the officials are “analyzing his documented biography and the scientific investigation into his Christian virtues which he lived to a heroic degree.”

“Those who knew this great pastor and his work, the Servant of God Luis Maria Martinez, first auxiliary bishop of Morelia and later archbishop of Mexico City, fervently desire he be raised to the altars,” the cardinal said.

Cardinal Rivera said his predecessor “did not only attract many people to the Catholic Church, but also lived through a very important time of reconciliation among Mexicans after the religious persecution.”

Fr. Gerardo Sanchez Sanchez, who oversees the causes of saints for the Archdiocese of Mexico City, said Catholics will be able to attend the ceremony transferring the late archbishop’s remains to a cathedral chapel.

However, Cardinal Rivera stated in his decree, “(s)pecial attention must be given that the remains of the Servant of God are not given public veneration.”

Archbishop Martinez led the Archdiocese of Mexico City from 1937 to 1956 during a difficult period following the Masonic-led persecution of the Church in Mexico.

He was known for his good judgment and moral authority in dealing with the administration of that time and for his extensive pastoral work, not only within the archdiocese but also throughout the nation.

Perhaps, also, if you were to read his words in the context of his entire book, you would see more clearly how he wrote in the classical spiritual tradition of the Church and according to all the Church’s teachings. I’m only on Chapter 4 of his book but it reminds in many ways of the books I’ve read by St. Louis de Montfort (especially True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin) and St. Maximilian Kolbe ( especially Immaculate Conception and the Holy Spirit.)

 

[Sirach2]

Dear Sirach2,

Sorry to read you were disturbed, by Archbishop Martinez’s words from his book, True Devotion to the Holy Spirit. Perhaps this article on the holy Archbishop may help:

Perhaps, also, if you were to read his words in the context of his entire book, you would see more clearly how he wrote in the classical spiritual tradition of the Church and according to all the Church’s teachings. I’m only on Chapter 4 of his book but it reminds in many ways of the books I’ve read by St. Louis de Montfort (especially True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin) and St. Maximilian Kolbe ( especially Immaculate Conception and the Holy Spirit.)

His cause for possible canonization is not a valid criteria to label everything he wrote as bona fide. He is not canonized.

I still disagree, noting from the most solemn document recently written (LG) that this is not Church teaching. Do you disagree, Maria? I am a Daughter of the Church, as was said by St. Teresa of Avila, my patron saint. I do not believe that any other authority has the right to impose their beliefs in contradiction to this Divine Authority.

My contention is the statement you uphold from the Archbishop, that “**without it, **(these two artisans) **souls are not sanctified.” **Would you have the faithful here believe that they cannot be sanctified without Mary, whom you place on an equal par with the Holy Spirit, the Sanctifier?

 

[nuntym]

+JMJ+

His cause for possible canonization is not a valid criteria to label everything he wrote as bona fide. He is not canonized.

I still disagree, noting from the most solemn document recently written (LG) that this is not Church teaching. Do you disagree, Maria? I am a Daughter of the Church, as was said by St. Teresa of Avila, my patron saint. I do not believe that any other authority has the right to impose their beliefs in contradiction to this Divine Authority.

My contention is the statement you uphold from the Archbishop, that “**without it, **(these two artisans) souls are not sanctified.” Would you have the faithful here believe that they cannot be sanctified without Mary, whom you place on an equal par with the Holy Spirit, the Sanctifier?

Unfortunately Archbishop Luis Martinez died before the Second Vatican Council, so he couldn’t actually follow the pastoral counsels of Lumen Gentium, which said to tone down on the teachings of Mariology for the sake of those new and weak to the faith, for example our separated brethren as you have posted, even if the said teachings are true.

However I have read the whole introduction—indeed I read the whole book a couple of years ago—and I can say that there seemed to be no problems with what the Archbishop said. He based his statements on the “traditional doctrine of the Church that obtained the magnificent confirmation of the Holy Apostolic See in modern times when the feast of Mary, Mediatrix of All Graces, was introduced into the Liturgy.” The said feast, however, was removed from the Novus Ordo calendar, most probably to honor the pastoral concern noted in LG. Also, the subordinate nature of Mary in the Archbishop’s statements can be noted in the context:

Undoubtedly, the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary sanctify us in different ways. The first is the Sanctifier by essence, because He is God, who is infinite sanctity, and because He is the personal Love that completes, so to speak, the sanctity of God, consummating His life and His unity; and it belongs to Him to communicate to souls the mystery of that sanctity. The Virgin Mary, for her part, is the cooperator, the indispensable instrument in and by God’s design.

So yes the statements of the Archbishop has basis in the teachings of the Catholic Church. However, to follow the pastoral concerns of the Church in the Second Vatican Council, it may be best to not emphasize it for now for the sake of our brothers and sisters new and weak to the faith.

 

[Sirach2]

However I have read the whole introduction—indeed I read the whole book a couple of years ago—and I can say that there seemed to be no problems with what the Archbishop said. He based his statements on the “traditional doctrine of the Church that obtained the magnificent confirmation of the Holy Apostolic See in modern times when the feast of Mary, Mediatrix of All Graces, was introduced into the Liturgy.” The said feast, however, was removed from the Novus Ordo calendar, most probably to honor the pastoral concern noted in LG.

I found this information stating that the feast was only an option for “some places” and was not celebrated in the Universal Church, being placed on the Calendar. Thanks for your sharing here. You have been very helpful.
In response to petitions from Belgium, including one signed by all its bishops, the Holy See approved in 1921 an annual celebration in that country of a feast day of Mary Mediatrix of All Graces. In printings of the Roman Missal from that date until 1961, the Mass of Mary Mediatrix of All Graces was found in the appendix Missae pro aliquibus locis (Masses for Some Places), but not in the general calendar for use wherever the Roman Rite is celebrated.

Despite requests for a new Marian dogma, the Fathers of Vatican II and the Popes who presided at the Council, John XXIII and Paul VI decided not to proceed with new dogmatic definitions. Lumen gentium, which does not contain a dogmatic definition of mediation, was **approved by 2,151 votes out of 2,156. **

 

[MariaChristi]

+JMJ+

Unfortunately Archbishop Luis Martinez died before the Second Vatican Council, so he couldn’t actually follow the pastoral counsels of Lumen Gentium, which said to tone down on the teachings of Mariology for the sake of those new and weak to the faith, for example our separated brethren as you have posted, even if the said teachings are true.

However I have read the whole introduction—indeed I read the whole book a couple of years ago—and I can say that there seemed to be no problems with what the Archbishop said. He based his statements on the “traditional doctrine of the Church that obtained the magnificent confirmation of the Holy Apostolic See in modern times when the feast of Mary, Mediatrix of All Graces, was introduced into the Liturgy.” The said feast, however, was removed from the Novus Ordo calendar, most probably to honor the pastoral concern noted in LG. Also, the subordinate nature of Mary in the Archbishop’s statements can be noted in the context:

Undoubtedly, the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary sanctify us in different ways. The first is the Sanctifier by essence, because He is God, who is infinite sanctity, and because He is the personal Love that completes, so to speak, the sanctity of God, consummating His life and His unity; and it belongs to Him to communicate to souls the mystery of that sanctity. The Virgin Mary, for her part, is the cooperator, the indispensable instrument in and by God’s design.

So yes the statements of the Archbishop has basis in the teachings of the Catholic Church. However, to follow the pastoral concerns of the Church in the Second Vatican Council, it may be best to not emphasize it for now for the sake of our brothers and sisters new and weak to the faith.

Dear nuntym,

Thanks for your excellent reply. The quote from the late Archbishop Martinez which you included also came to my mind. The Archbishop clearly never equates the role of Mary with the work of the Holy Spirit in the Divine Plan. The reason I emphasized the parts which I’m sorry were disturbing to Sirach2 was because the words repeat in a different way what the Catechism of the Catholic Church states in paragraph 971 - “…The Church’s devotion to Mary is intrinsic to Christian worship…” The word “intrinsic” is very significant – it means simply “cannot be left out, but is essential, inherent”.

I do not think Lumen Gentium told us to “tone down” devotion to Mary, but rather placing the teaching on Mary within the context of the Constitution on the Church was setting her as our example and giving her honor as Mother and Model of the Church. Sadly, some have so “watered down” or “toned down” as you put it, true devotion to Mary that we have Catholics today with very little accurate knowledge of, or any deep love for her. St. John Paul II addressing a group of Legion of Mary Members in 1982 said:

…If our one and only Mediator is the man Jesus Christ, as the Council states, 'Mary’s motherly role towards men in no way dims or diminishes this unique mediation of Christ: on the contrary, it demonstrates its efficacy" (Lumen Gentium 60). So the Virgin is invoked in the Church under the titles of Advocate, Auxiliatrix, Perpetual Help, Mediatrix, Mother of the Church.

For its birth, and growth, apostolic work looks to her who gave birth to Christ, conceived by the Holy Spirit.  Where the Mother is, there too is the Son.  When one moves away from the Mother, sooner or later he ends up keeping distant from the Son as well.  It is no wonder that today, in various sectors of secularized society, we note a widespread crisis of faith in God, preceded by a drop in devotion to the Virgin Mother.

St. John Paul II saw this many years ago and it seems worse today. I will respond to Sirach2 again, on this thread, but I hope she will read the Archbishop’s book for herself because he quotes Scripture as well as St. John of the Cross, St. Teresa of Avila and other powerful Saints like St. Augustine, St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Catherine of Siena. This a book with solid Catholic Doctrine and all who read it can be greatly blessed by it. I am happy when anyone gives me the opportunity to share more about Mary because I believe it remains Mary’s vocation to bring Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit into our world. Mary is, by God’s design from the beginning, our Mother and Model. She is especially needed today as our Model in faith. So to any who are weak in faith, I say come, learn more of Mary for she is never an end in herself but always points us to her Son the Perfecter of our Faith (cf Heb.12:2). St. Louis de Montfort wrote that when we say “Mary”, she says “God”. Thanks again, for your reply and for re-assuring anyone who may have difficulty with Archbishop Martinez’s words.

 

[Sirach2]

Thanks for your excellent reply. The quote from the late Archbishop Martinez which you included also came to my mind. The Archbishop clearly never** equates** the role of Mary with the work of the Holy Spirit in the Divine Plan. The reason I emphasized the parts which I’m sorry were disturbing to Sirach2 was because the words repeat in a different way what the Catechism of the Catholic Church states in paragraph 971 - “…The Church’s devotion to Mary is intrinsic to Christian worship…” The word “intrinsic” is very significant – it means simply “cannot be left out, but is essential, inherent”.

I agree with this paragraph. The only thing I was disturbed by is this statement:
“But the cooperation of these two artisans of Jesus of whom we have just been speaking is so necessary that,** without it, souls are not sanctified.**”

I do not see a parallel to the CCC #971 which says that Mary is “intrinsic” to Christian worship and the Archbishop’s statement in the preceding paragraph. Indeed, every canon that is prayed in our liturgy has mention of Mary. I just cannot accept that souls are not sanctified without cooperation of Mary and the Holy Spirit YES, the Holy Spirit is the Sanctifier, and Mary is the Mediatrix, par excellance.

However, this would negate other documents of V-II which state that those in other religions, due to their baptism are able to attain salvation, and they therefore possess the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the “Sanctifier.” Many in these denominations do not accept Mary. Are they unable to become holy? This is what I believe to be the main reason LG structured the teaching on Mary as they did, and the vote was nearly unanimous…

The statement that one will NOT be sanctified without Mary is objectionable on many platforms, and is not Church teaching.

 

[MariaChristi]

Dear Sirach2,

I’m wondering if your difficulty with Archbishop Martinez’s words has to do with any individual who may be seeking the Truth, sincerely, but does not realize all the Truth the Catholic Church has been given concerning Mary. For instance, it is not necessary for a person to realize how Mary has been given this maternal care of souls in order for the person to receive Grace through her hands. The Catechism of the Catholic Church in several places enlarges on the teachings of the Vatican II documents. For instance in paragraph 501:

CCC 501 - Jesus is Mary’s only son, but her spiritual motherhood extends to all men whom indeed he came to save: “The Son whom she brought forth is he whom God placed as the first-born among many brethren, that is, the faithful in whose generation and formation she co-operates with a mother’s love.”

As Archbishop Martinez pointed out, in the quote I posted: “Undoubtedly, the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary sanctify us in different ways.”
and "The Virgin Mary, for her part, is the cooperator, the indispensable instrument in and by God’s design.From Mary’s maternal relation to the human body of Christ is derived her relation to His Mystical Body, which is being formed through all the centuries until the end of time, when it will be lifted up to the heavens, beautiful, splendid, complete, and glorious.

The Holy Spirit continues to bring the Church into the complete Truth. Mary’s role as Mother of the Church continues:

CCC 968 - Her role in relation to the Church and to all humanity goes still further. “In a wholly singular way she cooperated by her obedience, faith, hope, and burning charity in the Savior’s work of restoring supernatural life to souls. For this reason she is a mother to us in the order of grace.”

I sincerely hope you can hear the ring of God’s Truth in what the Archbishop wrote. I certainly hear echoes of John 19:26-27, for the more I pray and listen to Jesus words, “Behold your Mother”, the more I hear of Mary’s continuing cooperation with the Holy Spirit as our Mother.