- Mariology of Pope Paul VI
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The Mariology of Pope Paul VI made extensive contributions to mariological teaching and devotions during his pontificate.
Contents
Ecumenical orientation of Mariology
He attempted to present the Marian teachings of the Church in view of her new ecumenical orientation. In his inaugural encyclical Ecclesiam Suam (section below), the Pope called Mary the ideal of Christian perfection. He regards “devotion to the Mother of God as of paramount importance in living the life of the Gospel.”[1]
Mense Maio
The encyclical Mense Maio from 29 April 1965) focused on the Virgin Mary, to whom traditionally the month of May is dedicated as the Mother of God. Paul VI writes that Mary is rightly to be regarded as the way by which people are led to Christ. Therefore, the person who encounters Mary cannot help but encounter Christ.[2]
In 1965, he writes that the Queen of Heaven is entrusted by God, as administrator of his compassion[3] In his 1965 encyclical Mense Maio, he described Mary as the way to Christ, the person who encounters Mary cannot help but encounter Christ likewise.[4]
Christi Matri
In his 1966 encyclical Christi Matri, he recommends the rosary in light of the Vietnam War and the dangers of atomic conflicts. The Queen of Peace and Mother of the Church should be invoked:
Nothing seems more appropriate and valuable than to have the prayers of the whole Christian family rise to the Mother of God, who is invoked as the Queen of Peace, begging her to pour forth abundant gifts of her maternal goodness in midst of so many great trials and hardships. We want constant and devout prayers to be offered to her whom We declared Mother of the Church, its spiritual parent, during the celebration of the Second Vatican Council,[5]
Role of the Rosary
The rosary is a summary of gospel teaching.[6] His new Missal includes all new Marian prayers. And in his 1974 exhortation Marialis Cultus, he again promotes Marian devotions, highlighting the Angelus and Rosary prayers. Mary deserves the devotions because she is the mother of graces and because of her unique role in redemption.[6]
Pilgrimage to Fatima
On the fiftieth anniversary of the apparition in Fatima, Paul VI made a pilgrimage there, the first ever by a Pope. There, he linked the veneration of Mary to her role in the salvation of the human race[6] Pope Paul VI was a engaged and engaging devotee of the Virgin Mary[6]
References
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