ON THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF “MARIALIS CULTUS”

Dearly beloved, Pope St. Paul VI published a magisterial encyclical entitled ‘Marialis Cultus’ on 2nd February 1974, in which he explored how Christians should venerate Mary in an authentic and profound way. This year, 2024, marks the 50th year since the publication of this document, a significant anniversary that invites us to reflect on its continuing relevance and the need to update our understanding and practice of Marian devotion.

In ‘Marialis Cultus,’ the Pope enumerates four essential characteristics that must be present in Marian devotion, characteristics that apply to all devotions and Marian shrines visited by the faithful.

The first of these characteristics is anthropological in nature. Mary, fully woman and creature, is closer to us in her humanity than to God in His infinitude. This closeness invites us to contemplate what Mary would be like in the 21st century, in various contemporary circumstances: at home, in politics, in economic situation, in social and professional life. Her ‘feminine genius,’ a term coined by St. John Paul II, is essential for humanising and making our society more just (Marialis Cultus, no. 34). Mary, with her unconditional acceptance of God's plan, displays a model of life that is as profoundly human as it is divinely inspired. Imagining Mary in modern roles, we see how her example of love, justice and humility can positively influence all aspects of contemporary life, offering guidance for living an authentical life and with purpose.

True Marian devotion must have a solid foundation in Sacred Scripture. Mary is the first and most perfect disciple of Christ, keeping her ‘yes’ from the Annunciation to the foot of the cross. Her intercession at the wedding feast of Cana and her steadfastness at the foot of the cross underline her crucial role in the economy of salvation (Marialis Cultus, no. 57). Private revelations, while valuable and respected, do not replace the Revelation contained in Scripture and Tradition. Scripture provides us with a solid foundation for our Marian devotion, from the Magnificat to Revelation, where Mary is presented as the Woman clothed with the sun (Marialis Cultus, no. 27).

Devotion to Mary must manifest itself primarily through the liturgy, which is the public prayer of the Church. Private devotions, such as the rosary and the Angelus, are important and recommendable, as they help us live the liturgy more fully. Marian feasts in the liturgical calendar, especially during Advent and Christmas, strengthen our devotion and prayer to Mary, celebrating her prerogatives and her role in salvation history (Marialis Cultus, no. 24). The liturgy not only sustains our Marian devotion, but elevates and sanctifies it, integrating it into the very heart of the Church's life (Marialis Cultus, n. 15).

Mary is the Mother of all Christians, not just Catholics. This includes Orthodox, Anglicans, Lutherans and other Christian denominations. Marian devotion must seek unity and not be a cause for division, respecting and valuing the different forms in which each Christian tradition expresses its love for Mary. Ecumenical Marian devotion promotes fraternity and unity among all Christians, reminding us that, in Christ, we are all brothers and sisters, and that Mary is our common Mother (Marialis Cultus, no. 32). Her figure should be a bridge of unity, promoting dialogue and mutual respect.

Mary, conceived without sin and assumed into heaven, is the perfect model of holiness to which we are all called. Her life and virtues are the goal of all Christians, as described in the Dogmatic Constitution ‘Lumen Gentium’ of the Second Vatican Council. Mary is the eschatological icon of the Church, a model of what we will be in heavenly glory (Marialis Cultus, no. 57). Her Immaculate Conception and Assumption anticipate in themselves the glorious destiny of all the faithful. Imitating her holiness, we are called to attain, together with her, glory beside her Son Jesus Christ, in whom we will find the fullness of life and holiness.

It is crucial to remember the importance of this document and to consider updating it to meet the challenges and needs of the contemporary Church. It offers us a unique opportunity to deepen our Marian devotion, strengthening our faith and commitment to Mary's message, and adapting her example and teachings to our present time.

Fr Gabriel Cruz Trejo, SDB, Spiritual Animator ADMA, Valdocco.

Renato Valera, President ADMA, Valdocco.