Why do Catholics honour the Virgin Mary?
Catholics honour the Blessed Virgin Mary because God himself honoured her first by choosing her to be the mother of his incarnate Son, Jesus Christ. In Saint Luke's Gospel, inspired by the Holy Spirit, Mary prophesied: 'From now on all generations will call me blessed.'
Catholic devotion to Mary is completely distinct from the worship (latria) that belongs to God alone. Catholics adore only God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The honour given to Mary is a special veneration (hyperdulia) paid to the creature who loved God with an undivided heart and whose humble 'Yes' brought the Saviour into the world.
Honouring Mary does not distract from Christ; on the contrary, it leads directly to him. As Mary said at the wedding feast of Cana, her constant message to the Church across all centuries is simple: 'Do whatever he tells you.'
Sources
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 971
- Luke 1:48
- Luke 1:28
Awaiting review by the chaplaincy. Written in our own words; the Church's own texts are the authority.