Teachings Of Mary

Catholic Church Perspective

Mary is the Mother of God

*Doctrine Defined in 431 CE
*As Mary is the mother of Jesus, she is therefore the Mother of God. Mary is a bearer of God (Theotokos, a Greek word meaning God-Bearer)

Virginal Conception of Jesus

*Found in the early church in the apostles creed 

* Central to the doctrine is that Mary gave birth as a virgin

*Jesus was conceived of the Holy Spirit

Immaculate Conception

*Doctrine was defined in  1854

* Mary was born without original sin

*Immaculate means without beginning 

*Conception means beginning

Assumption

*Doctrine defined in 1950

*Mary's body and soul was assumed (take up) into heaven after she completed her life on Earth

Mary the Mother of the church

*Doctrine defined in 1964

*Mary is acknowledged as being the Mother and redeemer

*Mary Mother of the Christ, Mother of the Church