Unlocking the Mysteries of Mary

Dr. Robert Stackpole is a former Anglican priest who converted to Catholicism, and for years has been assisting the Congregation of Marians as Director of the John Paul II Institute of Divine Mercy. We discuss his book, “Mary, Who She Is and Why She Matters,” available at ShopMercy.org, code MBK. It is an excellent resource for those trying to understand Catholic teaching on Our Blessed Mother.

What Did the Angel Mean When He Said, "Full of Grace"?

Some think the words “Immaculate Conception” refer to Jesus’ miraculous conception in Mary’s womb. This is actually incorrect. The Immaculate Conception refers to Mary being born without the stain of original sin as God knew that one day she would carry the Son of God in her womb. She was called by the angel “full of grace,” and Dr. Stackpole explains that in great detail. Her body was immaculate so she could carry Jesus in her womb, just as the Ark of the Covenant was lined with beautiful gold because it carried the Ten Commandments. Robert discusses the apparition of Catherine Labourre, the timing of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception, and the apparition of Bernadette Soubirous at Lourdes. In the latter, Our Lady told young Bernadette that she was, “The Immaculate Conception."

Mary's Queenship and the Jewish Tradition

She is the “New Eve,” as in the Garden of Eden Eve was tricked by the serpent; Mary instead crushes the head of the serpent and brought Jesus into the world. He also discusses her Assumption into heaven theologically and the Queenship of Mary in the Jewish tradition. In the Jewish tradition, the Queen Mother bowed to the king. But, when the King died, the son as the new King bowed down to his mother.

Mary, the Temple of God

Dr. Stackpole discusses how Mary is not a God in the temple, but she is a temple of God. Catholics do not love, respect, and honor her as a God, but as the Mother of God. We see Mary’s head bowed down in the image of our Lady of Guadalupe indicating she is not a God. Her role is to bring us to Jesus, her loving Son.

“O Mary Conceived Without Sin, Pray for Us Who Have Recourse To Thee."