Marian Piety and Devotions

Marian Piety and Devotion 

In both the Eastern and Western Churches, Mary is one of the highest objects of devotion. While she is not divine like Jesus, she is none the less honored for her role in Christ’s work. From titles, to prayers, and to apparitions, there is no shortage of things for us to turn our minds to in order to contemplate and give thanks for what God has done for us—especially through Mary. 

There are many prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary that ask her for her intercession to her son on our behalf. They are always effective. The most popular and most well-known prayer is the Rosary. Each mystery of the Rosary causes us to contemplate some event in Jesus’ life. The Rosary is an effective way to plead to Mary to intercede for our causes. It is good for us to meditate and contemplate the mysteries of the Rosary because the repetition allows us to slow down from the business of our everyday life and focus on God. It is also important to note that there is a plenary indulgence attached to the recitation of the Rosary! 

 Another point of devotion is Marian apparitions. These are points in time where the Virgin Mary has appeared to individuals to leave some message or warning to those on Earth. While it is not necessary to accept the validity of these private apparitions, those that are approved all have something important to say and help us understand some teaching in the Church or a point to consider regarding our salvation. Notable apparitions are Our Lady of Lourdes, Our Lady of Fatima, Our Lady of Guadalupe, and Our Lady of Good Help located right here in Champion, Wisconsin. These apparitions have inspired the hearts and minds of many throughout history. 

Here at Blessed Sacrament, we have a devotion to Our Lady of Czestochowa. It is an image to Mary located in Poland. There is a tradition that says that the Evangelist Luke painted the image from a table found in the home of the Holy Family. However, it was more likely to be painted before the 14th Century. Over the years, the icon has faced raids, modifications, and damages. It eventually made its way to its current location: the Jasna Gora Monastery in Czestochowa, Poland in 1384. The image has been venerated by popes throughout the years—including Poland’s own St. John Paul II. Our Lady of Czestochowa has been named Queen and Protectress of Poland, and there are many miracles attributed to the veneration of the image. Her feast day is August 26th.  

One final title of Mary to consider for veneration and prayer is Mary, Mother of the Church. Taking its roots from John 19:26-27 where John is entrusted with Mary to be his mother, Mary is also the mother and caretaker of the Church—which includes its members. Mary is our mother too. We can always turn to her if we need motherly love and affection. She is always willing to help us and intercede for our behalf to her son. She longs to share in our delights, but she also wants to share in our sorrows—offering a comfort only a mother can provide. It is especially advantageous to develop a relationship with Mary along with the Trinity and our favorite saints. She is always wanting to lead us to her son, Jesus, our savior and Lord.