Even in lieu of factual evidence, when uncovering another side to Mary Mother of God, so many Catholics are reticent to embrace this new reality about Mother Mary. Definitely, Change would be the main part of this equation. Some might be in Fear of taking away or removing in some way, the Mariann image of Mary. This simply is the only way they know, and the way they’re Mothers and Grandmothers before them knew of honoring Mary Mother of God.
Contrasting Mary’s two Sides from the Words of Two Different Popes
“On balance, John Paul II”s genuine desire to promote the dignity of women is subverted” … “It holds women in such idealized regard that they are judged to be too good to get involved in the messiness of the public realm being relegated to a discreet if influential vocation.” Johnson, Elizabeth A, 2003, 64.
This patriarchal image of Mary being so perfect from other women along with being subservient truly forged the mold of this one-sided image of Mary. This was the only side the Church hierarchy was presenting to the Laity, indeed the only side they wanted the Laity to know about.
Pope Paul VI, is quoted saying, “Mary is truly our sister, who as a poor and humble woman fully shared our lot.” Johnson, Elizabeth A, 2003, 5,6.
Elizabeth A. Johnson’s Book, “Truly Our Sister,” reflects such different faces regarding Mary being aptly reflected in the contrasting views of these Popes. Pope Paul the VI, quote presents for us, a totally different contrasting view of Mary. It is such a down to earth picture of Mary, being poor and humble.”
Mary was an Everyday Women in Everyday Life
Mary indeed was an everyday woman, doing the regular daily chores of everyday life of her particular time. Even though for many of us, our work, for the most part, is absent of constant physical toll along with physical lifting, we can certainly relate today to our fellow sister, Mary. She certainly could relate to the everyday human condition, she lived it. Just as today we live out of our own human condition. As Mary Priest, in her Ministry she served others. She had so many different roles which she performed’ She was a disciple and she preached the Word of God. Just as she touched so many early Christian lives then, Mary Priest continues to touch our lives as well today.
Margaret Mary O’Connor has made it her mission to reveal the truth of Your Catholic Church.
She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University At Buffalo (NY), and a Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry from Christ the King Seminary in East Aurora, NY. She is a former Chaplain and is currently a Eucharistic Minister at Our Lady of Charity Parish where, ironically, the Church windows depict the Vatican II Council. One window represents the “Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World,” which includes an article that speaks directly to ending sexual discrimination of all kinds in our Church.
Margaret Mary is available for podcast interviews. Visit www.yourradicaltruth.com for more information.