What did Mary's sufferings merit for mankind?

[Pimpsta]

Mary was full of grace & therefore had no punishments to undergo due to sins…The prophecy she received in the temple was that a sword would pierce her heart/soul. What did this suffering merit for mankind? Will you please also simply explain why Mary is called co-redemptrix.

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Hi,

Mary’s suffering gave glory to God, but they did not merit our redemption; only Jesus’ did. She can be called a co-redemptrix or co-redeemer in that she co-operated in the redemption that Jesus accomplished for the human race. Saint Joseph, Saint John the Baptist and others also co-operated in our redemption. Mary’s co-operation was truly unique because she gave birth to the Redeemer. But only Jesus IS the Redeemer.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.