Laity confused about Vatican’s statement on Virgin Mary’s title

The Vatican’s doctrinal office has sparked confusion among some Catholic faithful by releasing a statement that the title “co-redemptrix” is not an “appropriate” description of the Virgin Mary. The doctrinal office, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF), has argued that the expression is “unhelpful.” In a document, the DDF recently stated that when a term “requires frequent explanation to maintain the correct meaning,” it can lead to misunderstanding about Mary’s unique participation in the salvation accomplished by Jesus Christ. The announcement has left some laity members uncertain about the use of the traditional title.

According to laity members, the trust, veneration and prayer intercession of Mother Mary is an integral part of Catholic belief and piety. Unverified and misworded reports about the papal instruction have confused some laity members who took the Vatican announcement as a denial of Marian veneration in Catholic spirituality.

“The Vatican announcement has raised serious concern about Mother Mary’s role in our faith. Many churches and individuals venerate Mother Mary, which we suspect the Vatican would want to avoid in future,”said a laity member.

Practices to continue

Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC) official spokesperson Fr. Thomas Tharayil told The Hindu that the Church had never officially provided the titles of “co-redemptrix” (Saharakshaka) or “Mother of all Grace” (Krupavarathinte Amma) to Mother Mary. “Some priests and religious members used these titles indiscreetly to describe Mother Mary. The Vatican has now formally declared that such terms be not used in the future. There is no need for confusion among laity members or priests over the veneration of Mother Mary. The Rosary and other pious practices will continue as usual. Mother Mary is an integral part of the Catholic Church’s faith and practices. But the laity and Church will not use “co-redemptrix” or “Mother of all Grace” in future,” said Fr. Tharayil.

Fr. Jose Vallikkatt, a Catholic priest based in Bathinda, said that people should give less prominence to theological concerns such as Marian titles and focus on the real character of the Church, which represents inclusivity. The over-hyped anxiety about these titles are merely concerns of those who engage in popular piety or those who view Mary as a means for commercial gain,” noted Fr. Vallikkatt.

Circular to be read today

Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil, in a circular issued by the Syro-Malabar Church, stated that laity members do not need to be confused. “The exclusion of Mother Mary, co-redemptrix, is not a new directive from the Vatican and it is just a clarification. Describing Mother Mary as “co-redemptrix” implies that the salvation of Jesus Christ is incomplete, suggesting that without her help, Jesus cannot achieve salvation. The description also creates confusion about the salvation attained by Jesus and Mother Mary. The new doctrinal office from the Vatican is a clarification for such doubts,” reads the circular. 

The Major Archbishop also directed to read the circular during the Holy Mass on Sunday (November 9) in all churches under the Syro Malabar Church.