Why perpetual viginity for Mary (reprised)?

[peter116]

This question was just posted…

*Why is the doctrine of the perpetual virginity of Mary so important? I can understand why that would be so, before the birth of Jesus. But after his birth, I cannot see where it matters.

Obviously, I am of a Protestant background. So please do not assume that I am familiar with Catholic teachings on this matter.

Thank you.*

I really don’t see an answer in Fr. Serpa’s response. See below.

**Well Hank, this may surprise you, but all the fuss we Catholics make about Mary is really all about Jesus. When the President of the United States signs an important document, he usually uses several pens that can be given to people to save as mementos of such a special event. The people who receive them wouldn’t think of using them as they would any other pen. These are given special honor for the role they played in that special event. And these are just pens!

The incarnation of Jesus is a far greater event than anything the president will ever perform. Surely, you don’t believe that Jesus doesn’t deserve such a special mother!**

I understand that this comes from Holy Tradition that she was a perpetual virgin, but like the previous poster, I don’t understand why it is important that she continued to be a virgin after the birth of Christ.

Thanks for helping us understand our Holy Mother.

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Hi,

I didn’t use this is example with the previous person because he is not a Catholic and does not have the experience of what a tabernacle is. But you are a Catholic and can understand how sacred the tabernacle is–even when the Eucharist is not in it. It has housed almighty God! We would never think of storing anything else in it after it has been used as such a sacred dwelling place. So with our Lady’s womb. Not only did the Son of God dwell there, He was conceived of the Holy Spirit there.

To understand this one has to have some understanding of the holy. God is beyond the greatest qualities we can assign to Him. Our feeble intellects cannot fully grasp how holy He is. Mary held God in her womb and nursed Him at her breasts. So her body is too blessed to be ever used for merely human purposes.

Pray for the grace to appreciate this. I will pray as well.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.