I just finished reading the “Doctrinal Note on Some Marian Titles Regarding Mary’s Cooperation in the Work of Salvation.” It isn’t always that I recommend a Doctrinal Note from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith for recovered/recovering alcoholics to read, especially when at first glance it seems to have absolutely nothing to do with sobriety.
 
I began reading it with some fear and trepidation, (because, you know, the contemporary Church hasn’t inspired tons of confidence in certain matters,) but after finishing it, the document makes a lot of sense.
 
Well-written with copious footnoted references (22 pages of text with 12 pages of footnotes) it definitively places in the proper context the role of Mary in salvation, as well as clarifying certain popular, pious titles of Mary (“Co-redemptrix,” and “Mediatrix of All Graces.”)
 
It spends far more verbiage on the latter title than the former; pretty much negating future use of that title by the faithful. Basically, that Mary is NOT the “Mediator” of all Graces,” and as I said, the document spends quite a lot of pages on that, citing extensive Scripture passages, along with Church Fathers, Doctors and Popes. I had always accepted that title given how many great spiritual writers of the past have taught that, and I figured they must know what they’re talking about and so I never questioned it. She is the “Mother of Grace,” and that is defined in its proper relationship to the salvific work of the Trinity. It makes sense, when you think of it: If you were to pray to St. Maximilian Kolbe for his intercession in some matter, and you were granted whatever it was you asked, was the grace received routed through Mary? Or, was your prayer heard in Heaven by St. Maximilian (by whatever manner saints receive these requests) and answered by God through St. Max? Same can be said for when a miracle is received through the intercession of a person on the path to beatification or canonization: Rome has made it clear that when it investigates a miracle, it determines if any other saint might possibly have been involved. So, is Mary somehow in this channel of grace in the Cause for someone’s path to sainthood?
 
It doesn’t go quite that far in negating the “Co-Redeemer” title, but warns against emphasizing it to the point of obscuring Christ’s role (He is the sole Redeemer, Mary’s role was a very subordinate one in support of His. That’s a bit simplistic, you should read the text yourself. Link at the end.
 
I do think that it makes an effective tool to use in evangelizing Protestants and Evangelicals. It might help them to overcome their “Mariphobia.” They’ll learn that they do not ‘have to go to Mary’ but in their journey through the text, they’ll uncover many, many, reasons why cultivating a Marian devotion is supremely beneficial and ‘going to Mary’ is often a great good. The extensive citations will help them better understand the Scriptural roots of Mariology and they should come away with a greater appreciation and understanding of why Catholics have, for 2,000 years, been basically crazy nuts for Mary.  

If your initial response to this was one of rebellion or resistance, and you actually think that St. Maximilian Kolbe would have publicly spoken out against this document, then you lack an appropriate understanding of humility and obedience to legitimate religious authority, even when you think it is wrong. St. Maximilian Kolbe was a model of obedience to the Church, as anyone who has read his writings can attest to.

Many Catholics online of the traditional sort are sounding the alarm against it. While their concerns are noted, I do believe their reading if it was too influenced by their bias against anything coming out of Rome since Pope Benedict XVI. (An understandable concern which I implied in the second paragraph.) However, these same people, who laud the past (as do I) also fail to recall the obedience of the saints to Rome and her pronouncements, even when they might have opposed them. I recall the shepherd children at Fatima obeying the local church as regards to the Apparition of Our Lady in 1917, even though they knew the Church was wrong. St. Padre Pio likewise obeyed the restrictions placed upon him for many years. Today, priests who are censured by Rome of their local bishop often go rogue, their pride overcoming their good sense and humility. Going father back, indeed, back to the beginning: Jesus obeyed the legitimate religious authorities in submitting to their judgment of Him, despite His being their God and their Master. Joseph and Mary also obeyed the religious laws of the time in having Jesus circumcised; and Mary, herself ritually purified. There was no reason for them to do so, given who Jesus is. Yet, they obeyed.

Now, back to the title of this post; why am I recommending this document to you? For the same reasons why I think it makes a great evangelical tool for use in tying to bring Protestants into the Catholic fold. It might go a long way towards clarifying in their minds just exactly who Mary is and what her role in the Church precisely is. That, along with the copious footnoted references to Scripture may just be the thing to overcome Mariphobia. Also, many Catholics, either new to the faith by reversion or conversion, as well as lifelong cradle Catholics, may have “Mommy issues” and this translates to problems identifying with the Blessed Virgin and seeking her help; especially in accepting her role as our spiritual Mother and intercessor. Even if there does not exist any such thing in you, you might still not be drawing close enough to your spiritual Mama. This document might assist in overcoming that.

Read the document (it’s not really all that intimidating, honest!) and after being exposed to 22 pages of reason why Mary is our Mother and what her role actually is, you may come away with a clearer view.


Here is the document, so that you can read it for yourself: Mater Populi Fidelis:’ Doctrinal Note on Some Marian Titles Regarding Mary’s Cooperation in the Work of Salvation..

My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)