On Nov. 4, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith released a new Doctrinal Note, Mater Populi Fidelis (“Mother of the Faithful People”), which reflects on Mary’s cooperation in the work of salvation. The note serves to clarify and guide, not to define Catholic teaching—rather, it seeks to enrich and complement Marian devotion.
“Mater Populi Fidelis,” then, strives to illuminate how Mary cooperated in the work of our salvation. It develops both Mary’s objective cooperation as well as her continued influence on the community of believers – the Church.
It begins beautifully:
“The Mother of the Faithful People of God is viewed with affection and admiration by Christians because, since grace makes us like Christ, Mary is the most perfect expression of Christ’s action that transforms our humanity.” (#1)
These two themes are central to the document: Mary’s motherhood of the faithful and Mary’s cooperation with the grace of Christ.
Read more in Father Jason Rocks’ column in the latest Catholic Star Herald and here: catholicstarherald.org/german-soldier-dies-in-the-arms-of-mary/
Fr. Rocks serves as Chancellor of the Diocese and pastor of Holy Eucharist Cherry Hill.
#MaterPopuliFidelis #CatholicFaith #MarianDevotion
