Mary: Co-Redemptrix and Mediatrix of all Graces

Recently, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith released a note that addressed Mary’s titles of Co-Redemptrix and Mediatrix of all graces. It suggested that these titles are inappropriate because Jesus is the only redeemer and mediator and so using them can cause confusion among the faithful. As confusing as they may be at first among Catholics and non-Catholics alike, these titles are theologically rich in meaning and they play an important role in explaining Mary’s unique role in salvation history. They should be properly explained and taught as many times as necessary, not discouraged and dismissed as too confusing.

Mary’s roles as co-redemptrix and mediatrix flow from Her cooperation in the Incarnation and in the redemption of man. She freely gave Her yes to be the Mother of God and to see Her Son die on the Cross for our salvation. The prefix co- comes from the Latin word cum, which means “with,” not “equal to.” She cooperated with God’s grace in a unique way and so She participates in our salvation in this unique way, but She did not directly redeem us. Only Christ had that power. But God still willed that our salvation be dependent on the free choice of a human being and because Mary trusted and was infused with supernatural grace, She was given the honor of participating supernaturally in our salvation and in providing us grace. This is where the title mediatrix comes in. There would have been no mediator for us if Mary had said no, and so because She said yes She was given the privilege of being a secondary way for us to receive the graces coming to us from Jesus, like a conduit. She is a mediator in Christ, not separate from Christ. Christ is always the primary mediator, but that does not mean others cannot participate as mediators through the power of Christ and what He has done for us. In fact, we also participate as mediators whenever we pray for others.

In Mater Populis Fidelis, the Dicastery says that “Given the necessity of explaining Mary’s subordinate role to Christ in the work of redemption, it is always inappropriate to refer to use the title “Co-redemptrix” to define Mary’s cooperation…” This assumedly is also how they feel about Mediatrix of all graces. There are always concepts to explain in the Catholic faith because they can be difficult to understand or misunderstood at first, such as the Immaculate Conception being about Mary and not Jesus and the difference between the Ascension and the Assumption. However, these are still beautiful truths and they should be explained as often as necessary just like any concept that needs to be taught. When I was in school, I struggled with math a lot. I often needed things explained to me many times. Does this mean that these mathematical truths should cease being taught because they are too confusing and need to be explained too much? Of course not. In fact, they are necessary for certain professions and must be taught. Doctors and engineers must learn them to help heal patients and build strong structures. Likewise, Mary as Co-redemptrix and Mediatrix of all graces must be encouraged and taught to all Catholics because these titles are contained in the fullness and beauty of our faith and Catholics should be equipped with the Church’s teachings in their entirety. Without them, we’ve lost the true fullness of the faith.

To be clear, the Dicastery has said that these titles are not banned and can continue to be used in private devotions and that what is said in the document only applies to official Church documents. However, these documents are written by the teachers of the faith and those teachers are robbing the faithful of beautiful teachings by omitting these titles and calling them inappropriate. They are not doing their duty to the faithful and we must pray for them to realize their errors and bring back the beauty and fullness of Marian teaching.