Beloved Parishioners,

As we enter the season of advent I wish to reflect on the recent document from the Vatican on our Mother Mary. There is no doubt that we live in a time when devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary enjoys great vitality. At the same time, theological precision and clarity are necessary so that our love for Mary remains rooted in Christ and in the apostolic faith.

To that end, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith has issued a new Doctrinal Note, titled Mater Populi Fidelis (“Mother of the Faithful People of God”), approved on 7 October 2025 and published on 4 November 2025. This document clarifies the usage of the titles “co-Redemptoris” and “Mediatrix of all graces” alluded to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

However, it is important to remember how the Church teaches and hands on the faith. Christ entrusted his apostles with the mission of teaching all nations (cf. Matthew 28:19–20). In his first letter to Timothy, St. Paul reminds us: “Guard the good deposit entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit who dwells within us.” (2 Timothy 1:14). The Magisterium (gotten from the Latin word “magister”—teacher) — namely the Pope and the bishops in communion with him — have the responsibility to authentically interpret Divine Revelation. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “The task of giving an authentic interpretation of the Word of God… has been entrusted solely to the living teaching office of the Church.” (CCC, 85). And further: “The Magisterium is not superior to the Word of God but is its servant.” (CCC, 86).

In the Second Vatican Council’s Dei Verbum, we read: “The task of authentically interpreting the word of God… has been entrusted exclusively to the living teaching office of the Church.” (DV 10). This means that while Scripture and Tradition are the sources of revelation, the Magisterium ensures correct understanding, faithful preservation, and orderly transmission of that revelation.

That highlighted, let us get back to what the document says: its key content and underpinnings. Mater Populi Fidelis examines Marian titles that refer to her cooperation in the work of salvation. In particular, the note clarifies that the titles “Co-Redemptrix” and “Mediatrix of All Graces” are inappropriate or must be used with great care.

On Co-Redemptrix, the document holds that using this title carries the risk of “eclipsing Christ’s unique role as Redeemer” (Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:19–20). While on Mediatrix of All Graces, the text explains that while Mary truly intercedes for us, the mediation of Christ is singular and universal — “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 2:5). The Dicastery of the Doctrine of Faith says the title can be used only in a subordinate sense that recognizes Christ’s primacy. The document also traces the historical development of these titles and outlines the theological reasons why a dogmatic definition is not appropriate at this time. It appeals for clarity in Marian devotion, avoiding expressions that might confuse the faithful or hinder ecumenical dialogue.

This particular clarification from the Vatican matters for several reasons. First, it safeguards the integrity of Christology — Christ is the one Mediator and Redeemer (Hebrews 12:24). Second, it supports ecumenical efforts, since exaggerated Marian titles can create barriers with our Christian brothers and sisters. The Protestant reformer Martin Luther decried appeals to Mary that detracted from solus Christus — Christ alone as Redeemer. Third, it helps the faithful in their Marian devotion to remain Christ-centered, ensuring that Mary’s role leads us always closer to her Son, not away from him. Fourth, it guides pastoral practice, catechesis, and piety, especially in cultural settings where Marian devotion is strong, such as here in America.

Dear friends, let us embrace this clarification with gratitude, not as a diminution of Mary’s honor, but as a deepening of our devotion in full communion with the Church and Christ. In doing so we foster unity — within our Catholic family and with our ecumenical neighbors. Let Mary’s motherhood be a bridge to Christ’s saving work, and let our Marian devotion be marked by humility, clarity, and charity.

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