I'm new to Catholicism and one of the most puzzling things I have learned since becoming interested in the old Church is how some other Christian groups accuse us of worshiping Mary. It's pretty plain that there is only one triune God and that Mary is not part of God or God-like. She is revered, however, as being first among humans.
John Paul II says that the sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary are a source of inspiration and consolation for believers facing the difficulties of everyday life:
Father Stefano De Fiores, professor of Mariology at several pontifical universities, explained on Vatican Radio that the liturgical memorial of the Our Lady of Sorrows is much cherished by Catholics because "people identify with Mary and see in her the expression of their pain." "However, it is salvific, not desperate, pain -- a pain that, despite the harshness of the suffering, is mitigated by faith in the Resurrection, as Mary precedes others in faith," the theologian said. ... "This is the Gospel of suffering," he added, "the joyful news that even loneliness or the worst moments the human psyche can experience can be transformed into acts of faith, hope and love.""The worst moments the human psyche can experience can be transformed into acts of faith, hope and love." This is powerful stuff. It is just what our me me me culture of nothing I want can be denied me 'cuz I have rights culture needs.
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