The Vatican recently published an interesting document. A doctrinal note regarding certain Marian titles relating to Mary’s cooperation in the work of salvation, „Mater Populi Fidelis.” Specifically, it was issued by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. The document is very interesting and may have consequences that its authors probably did not foresee.
It states that two titles should not be used in reference to Mary: Mediatrix and Co-redemptrix. It states that using these titles creates confusion and even partially takes away the place rightfully held by Christ, a place He shares with no one. It is Christ who carries out the work of redemption, not Mary, even though she gave birth to Him. If He had not willed it, the fact that she gave birth to Him would have been irrelevant—what would have happened simply would not have happened if Christ had freely said no. And yet no one questions Christ’s freedom and free will. Allowing someone to do something does not mean that we deserve any special reward for it. Moreover, Mary did not desire any fame or special honor. He emphasizes that Mary owes her identity to Christ, not the other way around. The title „Co-redemptrix” is therefore inappropriate and leads people astray, especially considering the lack of any explanation for this title. Furthermore, Scripture says that our speech should be „yes” and „no”; it should not leave room for misinterpretation, and that is precisely what is happening here.
The situation is similar with the second title, „Mediatrix.” Pope Benedict XV created confusion here. He approved a devotion with its own Mass and breviary formulas in honor of Mary Mediatrix, but did not recognize the title itself. According to the Bible, the only Mediator between us and God is Jesus Christ, not Mary his mother. Scripture leaves no doubt here, as is expressed, among other places, in the First Letter to Timothy, chapter 2, verses 5-6. Therefore, applying this title to Mary is inappropriate. Once again, it would be necessary to explain and blur what the Bible says. Mary is clearly subordinate to Christ, not equal to him. Such blurring again contradicts the commandment of unambiguous speech and can lead people astray.
The implications of this document are far-reaching, in my opinion. Let’s look at the Marian prayer that the Church teaches and recommends, even claiming it constitutes an exorcism. We’re talking about the prayer „Under Your Protection.” It uses the term „Mediatrix,” which the Vatican itself says is best avoided. So here they’re teaching us a prayer that contradicts what is written in Holy Scripture, one that uses inappropriate terms that shouldn’t be used, and they themselves recognize and admit it. Isn’t this some kind of split personality on the part of the Roman Catholic Church? How can they, on the one hand, encourage prayer and, on the other, say that the terms used in it shouldn’t be used because they mislead the faithful?
Besides, this prayer could be broken down further. We should flee to God’s protection, not his mother’s, who, apart from giving birth to him, has no influence on our salvation. Why should we present our needs to her? Shouldn’t we rather present them to God? Doesn’t the Holy Scriptures say that we should pray to God, that He will grant us what we ask for, and even more? Where is Mary mentioned here? She is also supposed to save us from evil adventures. Her Son was supposed to save us; it was He who saved us and His decision. It’s not without significance that we also have free will, so what is supposed to save us from our decisions and bearing their consequences? Perhaps that’s not what we should be teaching. The term „Mediatrix” is used next, but we won’t repeat what was written earlier. Then we have the words „reconcile us with your Son”—how can she reconcile us? We ourselves can be reconciled with Him by listening to what He says, repenting of what we have done wrong, and forgiving the sins of others (which is not the same as forgetting them or failing to take responsibility). We ourselves can surrender to Christ, and we do not need a mediator for this. Besides, why would we need a mediator for the actual Mediator, who is Jesus?
Of course, this does not mean that we should belittle Mary. She deserves respect as a mother, but let us have limits and listen to what her Son said. How did He exalt her when He spoke in the Gospel about who Mother and brothers are? He said, indicating that we should treat each other equally, not exalt ourselves or elevate others. As you can see, the implications of the latest document can be interesting and should give us food for thought. What does the Church teach us, and why, one might say, does it retract what it itself said? How far have these teachings departed from the words and teachings of Christ?