What Graces are we supposed to ask Mary for?

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AKDee

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So I have read repeatedly that Mary is the mediatrix of all graces. We’re supposed to ask for them from her, and we actually offend her when we don’t ask. Additionally I read that in the image of the Miraculous Medal, the dark rays are the graces we forget to ask for.

And I’ve tried to search what graces we should ask for, but I can’t find anything on the topic.

I know that when I pray the Rosary, the first Ave beads are for the graces of “Faith, Hope and Charity” but what other graces are we supposed to be asking for?
 
I don’t think the Church has proclaimed Mary that title so 🤷

Still, in her capacity of Queen Mother of the Messiah she fulfills the role of intercessor for us even as she did in John 2, so it is appropriate to beseech her for the graces that we need and trust her to carry them to the throne of her Divine Son.

These may also help from the AAA forum.
 
AKDee said:
So I have read repeatedly that Mary is the mediatrix of all graces. We’re supposed to ask for them from her, and we actually offend her when we don’t ask. Additionally I read that in the image of the Miraculous Medal, the dark rays are the graces we forget to ask for.

And I’ve tried to search what graces we should ask for, but I can’t find anything on the topic.

I know that when I pray the Rosary, the first Ave beads are for the graces of “Faith, Hope and Charity” but what other graces are we supposed to be asking for?
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You won’t find it because it’s not Church teaching that were “supposed to ask her for grace” or that “we offend her if we don’t.” Otherwise, every single Mass we offer is offensive to her because every Collect at Mass asks God DIRECTLY for his grace.

Grace is something given by God only, and often, as in the case of the Sacraments, are given DIRECTLY.

Mary’s role as Mediatrix (which, while not dogma, is also part of the Church’s ordinary Magisterium) is intercessory. Every grace given to man was obtained through Mary’s intercession, even those given directly by God. I was baptized into sanctifying grace, for example, because Mary interceded for me that this would be so. And it makes sense because as Mother in the order of grace, she would not be uninvolved in the distribution of grace.

We as God for grace, but even if we don’t ask her directly, the Mediatrix is interceding for that same grace along with you.
 
Personally,I ask our Mother Mary to intercede on my behalf and that of my loved ones,that we receive the grace to love Our Lord as she loves Him,to imitate her virtues so that we may grow in holiness.
 
The part where I said we actually offend her by not asking I read in the Magnificat just last night, so I assume it’s a teaching of the Church. This is the passage I’m specifically referring to, which was in the “Meditation of the Day” for Saturday, June 20.
“O great lady,” says Saint Bernard, “your measureless mercy fills the whole earth.” and that is why, according to Saint Bonaventure, this loving Mother has such a great desire to do good to all. She is not only offended by those who do her actual harm but she is even offended at those who do not ask her for favours and graces. So that Saint Hildebert addresses her, saying: “You teach us, O Mary, to hope for far greater graces than we deserve, because you never cease to dispense graces far beyond what we deserve.”
-Saint Alphonsus Liguori
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AKDee said:
The part where I said we actually offend her by not asking I read in the Magnificat just last night, so I assume it’s a teaching of the Church. This is the passage I’m specifically referring to, which was in the “Meditation of the Day” for Saturday, June 20.

Quote:
“O great lady,” says Saint Bernard, “your measureless mercy fills the whole earth.” and that is why, according to Saint Bonaventure, this loving Mother has such a great desire to do good to all. She is not only offended by those who do her actual harm but she is even offended at those who do not ask her for favours and graces. So that Saint Hildebert addresses her, saying: “You teach us, O Mary, to hope for far greater graces than we deserve, because you never cease to dispense graces far beyond what we deserve.”
-Saint Alphonsus Liguori
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I think that’s more referring to those who refuse to ask for her help for intercession. By refusing to ever ask for her intercession, they reject her help to pray for us. It’s ignoring your own mother, as Mary is our spiritual mother.

The Church teaches on the communion of saints, and that Mary is praying for us in heaven, and at every Mass we ask for her intercession.
 
Well, first, the Saints, while possessing some beautiful and inspired writings, do not carry the same weight as “church teaching” implies. But look more closely.
In this particular passage I would equate “offended” with “saddened” or “dismayed”. Remember the times, archaic and poetic ways of saying things, and the context of the piece.
Mary certainly desires more prayers to her Son, certainly wants us to remember that He forgives, heals, and gives grace, and would be saddened if her children on earth forgot these things. At least that’s my 2 cents. 🤷
Peace!
 
Some graces I ask Mary to ask her Son Jesus for for me are those of final perseverance and burning charity (taken from the Pray of Our Lady of Guadalupe).

May God bless you abundantly and forever through Blessed Mary, ever-Virgin! 🙂
 
I didn’t intend to start a debate about what Mary’s role in our lives should be. I was hoping some people who do venerate Our Lady would tell me what graces it is that we are encouraged (is that a better word?) to ask for?

The things I currently ask her for are:
-To lead me to her son, Jesus Christ, and to help me to love Him as she does
  • For the virtues of faith, hope and charity
But after that I’m stalled. I don’t know what other graces I should be asking for. I don’t even know what a list of graces might consist of.

Edit to add: Richard White, Jeanne S., thank you for your suggestions!
 
AKDee said:
So I have read repeatedly that Mary is the mediatrix of all graces. We’re supposed to ask for them from her, and we actually offend her when we don’t ask. Additionally I read that in the image of the Miraculous Medal, the dark rays are the graces we forget to ask for.

And I’ve tried to search what graces we should ask for, but I can’t find anything on the topic.

I know that when I pray the Rosary, the first Ave beads are for the graces of “Faith, Hope and Charity” but what other graces are we supposed to be asking for?
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Read the Vatican document on the role of Mary.

She is the spouse of the Holy Spirit so putting all into her hands is the humblest and quickest way to the heart of our Lord.
 
St. Bridget may offer some assistance:
  • The Blessed Virgin Mary grants seven graces to the souls who honor her daily by meditating on her tears and dolors (sorrows). This devotion was passed on by St. Bridget.
Text on Back

HERE ARE THE SEVEN GRACES:
Code: 
I will grant peace to their families.

They will be enlightened about the divine mysteries.

I will console them in their pains and I will accompany
them in their work.

I will give them as much as they ask for as long as it does not oppose the adorable will of my divine Son or the sanctification of their souls.

I will defend them in their spiritual battles with the infernal enemy and I will protect them at every instant of their lives.

I will visibly help them at the moment of their death; they will see the face of their Mother.

I have obtained (this grace) from my divine Son, that those who propagate this devotion to my tears and dolors, will be taken directly from this earthly life to eternal happiness since all their sins will be forgiven and my Son and I will be their eternal consolation and joy.
THE SEVEN SORROWS:
Code: 
The prophecy of Simeon. (St. Luke 2: 34, 35)

The flight into Egypt. (St. Matthew 2:13,14)

The loss of the Child Jesus in the temple. (St. Luke 2: 43-45)

The meeting of Jesus and Mary on the Way of the Cross.

The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus.

The taking down of the Body of Jesus from the Cross.

The burial of Jesus.
(Say one Hail Mary while meditating on each Sorrow)
The Hail Mary: Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen *

olrl.org/pray/sorrows.shtml
 
Also:

*1. Whosoever shall faithfully serve me by the recitation of the Rosary shall receive signal graces.

Signal Graces are those special and unique Graces to help sanctify us in our state in life. See the remaining promises for an explanation for which these will consist. St. Louis de Montfort states emphatically that the best and fastest way to union with Our Lord is via Our Lady [True Devotion to Mary, chapter four].
2. I promise my special protection and the greatest graces to all those who shall recite the Rosary.

Our Lady is our Advocate and the channel of all God’s Grace to us. Our Lady is simply highlighting that She will watch especially over us who pray the Rosary. (see Lumen Gentium chapter VIII - Our Lady #62) [a great more detail is available on this topic in True Devotion to Mary, chapter four, by St. Louis de Montfort]
3. The Rosary shall be a powerful armor against hell, it will destroy vice, decrease sin and defeat heresies.

This promise, along with the next, is simply the reminder on how fervent prayer will help us all grow in holiness by avoiding sin, especially a prayer with the excellence of the Rosary. An increase in holiness necessarily requires a reduction in sin, vice, and doctrinal errors (heresies). If only the Modernists could be convinced to pray the Rosary! (see Lumen Gentium chapter V - The Call to Holiness #42) St. Louis de Montfort states “Since Mary alone crushed all heresies, as we are told by the Church under the guidance of the Holy Spirit (Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary)…” [True Devotion to Mary #167]

…*

ourladyswarriors.org/prayer/15promise.htm

Re. Co-Mediatrix:

*Church Teaching on Mary as Mediatrix of (All) Graces

Compiled by Fr. William G. Most
  1. Leo XIII, Encyclical, Supremi Apostolatus officio. Sept 1, 1883. *** 16, 1883. 1113.
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…
  1. Leo XIII, Encyclical, Superiore anno, August 30, 1884. *** 17, 1884. 49.
… may He hear the prayers of those who beseech through her, whom He Himself willed to be the mediatrix [administram] of graces.
  1. Leo XIII, Encyclical, Octobri mense adventante, Sept 22, 1891, *** 24, 1891, 196.
… it is right to say, that nothing at all of that very great treasury of all grace which the Lord brought us–for ‘grace and truth came through Jesus Christ’ [Jn 1.17]–nothing is imparted to us except through Mary, since God so wills, so that just as no one can come to the Father except through the Son, so in general, no one can come to Christ except through His Mother.
  1. Leo XIII, Encyclical, Iucunda semper, Sept 8, 1984. *** 27, 1894. 179.
… when He [the Father] has been invoked with excellent prayers, our humble voice turns to Mary; in accordance with no other law than that law of conciliation and petition which was expressed as follows by St. Bernardine of Siena : ‘Every grace that is communicated to this world has a threefold course. For by excellent order, it is dispensed from God to Christ, from Christ to the Virgin, from the Virgin to us.’ [Internal quote from S. Bernardine, Sermon on Nativity of B. V. M. n. 6.]
…*

fwiw.
 
Goya said:
Also:

*1. Whosoever shall faithfully serve me by the recitation of the Rosary shall receive signal graces.

Signal Graces are those special and unique Graces to help sanctify us in our state in life. See the remaining promises for an explanation for which these will consist. St. Louis de Montfort states emphatically that the best and fastest way to union with Our Lord is via Our Lady [True Devotion to Mary, chapter four].
2. I promise my special protection and the greatest graces to all those who shall recite the Rosary.

Our Lady is our Advocate and the channel of all God’s Grace to us. Our Lady is simply highlighting that She will watch especially over us who pray the Rosary. (see Lumen Gentium chapter VIII - Our Lady #62) [a great more detail is available on this topic in True Devotion to Mary, chapter four, by St. Louis de Montfort]
3. The Rosary shall be a powerful armor against hell, it will destroy vice, decrease sin and defeat heresies.

This promise, along with the next, is simply the reminder on how fervent prayer will help us all grow in holiness by avoiding sin, especially a prayer with the excellence of the Rosary. An increase in holiness necessarily requires a reduction in sin, vice, and doctrinal errors (heresies). If only the Modernists could be convinced to pray the Rosary! (see Lumen Gentium chapter V - The Call to Holiness #42) St. Louis de Montfort states “Since Mary alone crushed all heresies, as we are told by the Church under the guidance of the Holy Spirit (Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary)…” [True Devotion to Mary #167]

…*

ourladyswarriors.org/prayer/15promise.htm

Re. Co-Mediatrix:

*Church Teaching on Mary as Mediatrix of (All) Graces

Compiled by Fr. William G. Most
  1. Leo XIII, Encyclical, Supremi Apostolatus officio. Sept 1, 1883. *** 16, 1883. 1113.
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…
  1. Leo XIII, Encyclical, Superiore anno, August 30, 1884. *** 17, 1884. 49.
… may He hear the prayers of those who beseech through her, whom He Himself willed to be the mediatrix [administram] of graces.
  1. Leo XIII, Encyclical, Octobri mense adventante, Sept 22, 1891, *** 24, 1891, 196.
… it is right to say, that nothing at all of that very great treasury of all grace which the Lord brought us–for ‘grace and truth came through Jesus Christ’ [Jn 1.17]–nothing is imparted to us except through Mary, since God so wills, so that just as no one can come to the Father except through the Son, so in general, no one can come to Christ except through His Mother.
  1. Leo XIII, Encyclical, Iucunda semper, Sept 8, 1984. *** 27, 1894. 179.
… when He [the Father] has been invoked with excellent prayers, our humble voice turns to Mary; in accordance with no other law than that law of conciliation and petition which was expressed as follows by St. Bernardine of Siena : ‘Every grace that is communicated to this world has a threefold course. For by excellent order, it is dispensed from God to Christ, from Christ to the Virgin, from the Virgin to us.’ [Internal quote from S. Bernardine, Sermon on Nativity of B. V. M. n. 6.]
…*

fwiw.
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🙂
 
AKDee said:
So I have read repeatedly that Mary is the mediatrix of all graces.
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There was a movement around a decade ago to get the Church to recognize this title. The Church examined it and shelved the question indefinitely.

The biggest problem with the title is that nobody knows what it means. Its supporters could not even agree on that question.

Some interpretations carry theological problems. The Church has always taught that Mary is the same as any other Saint except in her degree of honor (both in heaven and on earth). She is the greatest of Saints, but is not ontologically different from them. She has no “abilities” that other Saints don’t have.

Some interpretations of the mediatrix title would grant her superpowers that she doesn’t have, making her into some sort of demigod.
 
My default is usually “help me to say yes to God’s will”, or “help me perceive God’s will in my life and help my actions be pleasing to him.”

I read a thing the other day, and the point that stuck with me was sort of along the lines that Mary does not just bring us to her son, the second person of the Trinity, but she also leads us to the third person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit. I never really thought much about God the Holy Spirit-- he was always depicted as a bird, or fire, or wind, or something like that in art, and how do you get close to someone like that? Even when you know he’s present and working in your life, like during Confirmation-- there’s no woo-woo moment that you can point to and say, “Aha!” My ideas of God the Holy Spirit were always very vague.

So-- if you’re looking for something specific, you might view Mary, the spouse of the Holy Spirit, as a channel of the Spirit’s graces. So you can ask for an increase of the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit, or the Twelve Fruits of the Holy Spirit, and so on. That’s a lot of territory right there, a lot of stuff to think about, and an excellent start.
 
DavidFilmer said:
There was a movement around a decade ago to get the Church to recognize this title. The Church examined it and shelved the question indefinitely.

The biggest problem with the title is that nobody knows what it means. Its supporters could not even agree on that question.

Some interpretations carry theological problems. The Church has always taught that Mary is the same as any other Saint except in her degree of honor (both in heaven and on earth). She is the greatest of Saints, but is not ontologically different from them. She has no “abilities” that other Saints don’t have.

Some interpretations of the mediatrix title would grant her superpowers that she doesn’t have, making her into some sort of demigod.
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This is an heretical statement. You might want to have a thorough examination of these documents along with encyclicals by previous Popes. Pope Paul VI wrote a beautiful one. Here are current Vatican documents regarding our Holy Mother:

'http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p122a3p2.htm

'505 By his virginal conception, Jesus, the New Adam, ushers in the new birth of children adopted in the Holy Spirit through faith. "How can this be?"165 Participation in the divine life arises “not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God”.166 The acceptance of this life is virginal because it is entirely the Spirit’s gift to man. The spousal character of the human vocation in relation to God167 is fulfilled perfectly in Mary’s virginal motherhood.

506 Mary is a virgin because her virginity is the sign of her faith “unadulterated by any doubt”, and of her undivided gift of herself to God’s will.168 It is her faith that enables her to become the mother of the Savior: "Mary is more blessed because she embraces faith in Christ than because she conceives the flesh of Christ."169

507 At once virgin and mother, Mary is the symbol and the most perfect realization of the Church: "the Church indeed. . . by receiving the word of God in faith becomes herself a mother. By preaching and Baptism she brings forth sons, who are conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of God, to a new and immortal life. She herself is a virgin, who keeps in its entirety and purity the faith she pledged to her spouse."170’

'http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p123a9p6.htm

. . . she is our Mother in the order of grace

967 By her complete adherence to the Father’s will, to his Son’s redemptive work, and to every prompting of the Holy Spirit, the Virgin Mary is the Church’s model of faith and charity. Thus she is a “preeminent and . . . wholly unique member of the Church”; indeed, she is the “exemplary realization” (typus)510 of the Church.

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."511

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."512’
 
friardchips said:
This is an heretical statement.
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Wow. I’ve been here for a long time, and I have been accused of being wrong (sometimes rightly so, as I have conceded), but this is the first time I have been accused of heresy. So you absolutely have my attention.

MICHAEL FRANCIS - I respectfully implore you to PLEASE not touch this thread. I want to hear this one out.
You might want to have a thorough examination of these documents
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OK, fine. Apparently I am not as clever as you are. Would you mind telling me exactly what I said that contravenes anything in these documents?

I’m not asking for a whole bunch of quotes from a whole bunch of documents. I’m asking for just one quote from just one document, and which one statement by me that you feel contravenes that one quote.

If I am wrong, I will concede (and I have done this many times). But you’re gonna have to do more to “prove” my error than accuse me of it and then hit me with a bunch of quotes (none of which I would have any problem with).
 
The question revolves around the title “Mediatrix of ALL grace”

Although the Church HAS given the BVM the Title of Mediatrix of grace. I don’t believe it has done so for Mediatrix of ALL grace.

My own opinion is that it presents no difficulty whatsoever with any Church doctrines.

David has said that the BVM is just a saint like any other. But I think we all know that is not true. The Liturgical Feasts of the Immaculate Conception and Assumption attest to that.
 
May I post again- I DID NOT INTEND for this to become a debate about the role of Mary, or of her position in the Church, or of heresies, etc. I did not mean to start a debate and asked already if people would focus their answers on my question of which graces I’m supposed to be asking for and take your arguments on our Lady’s role to another thread that you start yourself. I had no idea this would turn into a controversial post, I’m a bit offended that it did, and I am going to ask that it be closed.
 
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