Ad Iesum per Mariam — “To Jesus through Mary”
The faith of the Church
Every Marian dogma illuminates the mystery of Jesus Christ and the saving grace he gives his Mother.
01 · Ephesus · 431
Theotokos · God-bearer
The child Mary bore is not a human person alongside the Son of God. He is the eternal Son himself, truly made man. Calling her Mother of God safeguards the identity of Jesus Christ.
CCC 495, 509
02 · Ancient confession · Lateran synod, 649
Aeiparthenos · Ever-virgin
Mary’s virginity before, in, and after Christ’s birth expresses God’s initiative in the Incarnation and her undivided gift of herself to his saving purpose.
CCC 496–507, 510
03 · Ineffabilis Deus · 8 December 1854
Panagia · All-holy by grace
From the first instant of her own conception, Mary was preserved from original sin by a singular grace of God, entirely through the saving merits of Jesus Christ.
CCC 490–493, 508
04 · Munificentissimus Deus · 1 November 1950
Dormition · Taken into glory
At the completion of her earthly life, Mary was taken body and soul into heavenly glory. Her destiny is a gift of Christ’s victory and a sign of the resurrection promised to his people.
CCC 966, 974
