MARY
WAS SHE AN ETERNAL VIRGIN?
The Catholic Church teaches and upholds the doctrine of Mary’s perpetual virginity, which states that Mary remained a virgin before, during, and after the birth of Jesus Christ. This belief has been held since the earliest days of Christianity and is an important aspect of Catholic Mariology. Here are the key points regarding this teaching:
HISTORICAL CONTEXT AND DEVELOPMENT
The belief in Mary’s perpetual virginity has been part of Catholic tradition since the early Church. Many Church Fathers, including Athanasius, Jerome, and Augustine, expressed and defended this belief. For example, Augustine stated in 411 AD that Mary was “a Virgin conceiving, a Virgin bearing, a Virgin pregnant, a Virgin bringing forth, a Virgin perpetual.”
The ‘Protoevangelium of James,’ written around 120 AD, provides early support for this belief. It records that Mary was dedicated before birth to serve the Lord in the temple, requiring perpetual virginity.
SCRIPTURAL BASIS
Catholics point to several scriptural passages to support this doctrine:
1. Isaiah 7:14:
– “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”
– This prophecy is interpreted by the Church as a foreshadowing of Mary’s virginal conception of Jesus.
2. Matthew 1:18-25:
– This passage describes the virgin birth of Jesus. Joseph takes Mary as his wife but does not consummate the marriage until after Jesus is born, implying her virginity before and during the birth.
3. Luke 1:26-38:
– The Annunciation narrative emphasizes Mary’s virginity, as she questions how she could conceive since she “knows not man” (Lk 1:34).
4. Luke 1:34:
– When told she would conceive, Mary asks, “How shall this be, since I have no husband?” This question is seen as evidence of her intention to remain a virgin.
5. Luke 1:48:
– Mary’s proclamation that “all generations shall call me blessed” is fulfilled by Catholics who refer to her as the Blessed Virgin.
THEOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The perpetual virginity of Mary is considered important for several reasons:
1. Symbol of Purity:
– It demonstrates Mary’s purity of heart and total love for God.
2. Prefigurement of Heaven:
– Mary’s virginity is seen as a prefigurement of the eternal reward for those who dedicate themselves fully to God.
3. Model of Consecration:
– It serves as an example of complete consecration to Christ for all Christians.
4. Ecclesiological Significance:
– Mary’s perpetual virginity is seen as a symbol of the Church, which is both mother to the faithful and “pure bride to her one husband” (2 Cor 11:2).
CATHOLIC DOCTRINE AND LITURGY
The Catholic Church officially teaches Mary’s perpetual virginity as doctrine:
1. Catechism of the Catholic Church:
– The Catechism states that “Christ’s birth ‘did not diminish his mother’s virginal integrity but sanctified it'” (CCC 499).
2. Liturgy:
– The liturgy of the Church celebrates Mary as “Aeiparthenos,” the “Ever-virgin.”
3. References to Jesus’ “Brothers and Sisters”:
– The Church maintains that references to Jesus’ “brothers and sisters” in the Bible refer to close relations, not other children of Mary.
OBJECTIONS AND CATHOLIC RESPONSES
Some objections to this doctrine include:
1. Biblical References to Jesus’ Siblings:
– Catholics interpret these as referring to close relatives, not biological siblings.
2. Mary’s Betrothal to Joseph:
– Catholics explain this as a protective arrangement that respected Mary’s vow of virginity.
Catholics argue that the consistent teaching of the Church Fathers, the support found in early Christian writings, and the theological significance of the doctrine outweigh these objections.
PAPAL DECLARATIONS
The doctrine of the perpetual virginity of Mary, stating that Mary remained a virgin before, during, and after the birth of Jesus Christ, has been affirmed and upheld by various papal declarations throughout the history of the Catholic Church. These declarations highlight the continuity and importance of this belief in Catholic teaching.
Early Church Affirmations
The belief in Mary’s perpetual virginity was universally acknowledged by the early Church and defended by the Church Fathers. This belief was not explicitly declared by early popes but was consistently taught and upheld by the magisterium of the Church.
Key Papal Declarations
1. Pope Martin I (649 AD) – Lateran Council:
– During the Lateran Council of 649, Pope Martin I presided over a synod that declared the perpetual virginity of Mary as a doctrine of faith. The council stated that Mary “conceived without seed, of the Holy Spirit, gave birth without corruption, and her virginity remained inviolable after the birth.”
2. Pope Paul IV (1555-1559):
– In his writings, Pope Paul IV reaffirmed the doctrine of Mary’s perpetual virginity. He emphasized the importance of this belief in understanding the mystery of the Incarnation and the unique role of Mary in salvation history.
3. Pope Pius IX (1846-1878):
– Pope Pius IX, in his encyclical ‘Ineffabilis Deus’ (1854), which defined the dogma of the Immaculate Conception, also highlighted Mary’s perpetual virginity. He emphasized her purity and special role as the Mother of God.
4. Pope Pius XII (1939-1958):
– In the encyclical ‘Mystici Corporis Christi’ (1943), Pope Pius XII reaffirmed the doctrine of Mary’s perpetual virginity. He described Mary as “a virgin before, during, and after giving birth” and highlighted her role in the mystery of the Incarnation.
5. Pope Paul VI (1963-1978):
– In the Second Vatican Council’s document ‘Lumen Gentium’ (1964), promulgated by Pope Paul VI, the Church reaffirmed Mary’s perpetual virginity. It states that Mary “remained a virgin in conceiving her Son, a virgin in giving birth to Him, a virgin in carrying Him, a virgin in nursing Him at her breast, always a virgin” (Lumen Gentium, 57).
6. Pope John Paul II (1978-2005):
– In his numerous teachings and writings, Pope John Paul II frequently affirmed Mary’s perpetual virginity. In his general audiences and encyclicals, he emphasized Mary’s unique role in God’s plan and her perpetual virginity as a sign of her total dedication to God.
The doctrine of Mary’s perpetual virginity has been a consistent and important teaching in the Catholic Church, affirmed by various popes throughout history. These papal declarations highlight the significance of this belief in understanding the mystery of the Incarnation and the unique and holy role of Mary in God’s plan of salvation. As such, the perpetual virginity of Mary continues to be a cherished and upheld doctrine in the Catholic faith.
REFLECTION
Mary’s perpetual virginity underscores her unique role in salvation history and her total dedication to God. Despite being betrothed to Joseph, her vow of virginity and her acceptance of God’s plan show her deep faith and trust in God. The angel’s message to Mary clarifies that the incarnation of Jesus is a divine act involving all three persons of the Holy Trinity. Mary’s role as the new Ark of the Covenant, carrying the Word of God, is a profound testament to her special place in God’s salvific plan.
The perpetual virginity of Mary remains an important and firmly held doctrine in Catholic teaching and tradition, seen as a testament to Mary’s unique role in salvation history and her complete devotion to God. While some Christians may disagree on Mary’s perpetual virginity, all can agree on the miraculous nature of Christ’s conception and birth, and the importance of Mary’s role in God’s plan of salvation. The focus should ultimately be on Jesus Christ and the salvation He offers. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 2:2, “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.”
Mary’s perpetual virginity points to her unique and holy role in the mystery of the Incarnation. Her example of faith, obedience, and purity serves as an inspiration for all Christians to trust in God’s plan and embrace their role in His divine purpose.