Ave, ave, ave, Maria
Ave, ave, ave, Maria!
I vividly recall this song of praise to Mama Mary every time I join our old folks in my town as we pray the holy rosary to our Lady of Fatima. It was the beginning of my encounter with the blessed Mother as I try hard to memorize and remember all the mysteries of the holy rosary and learn how to recite it. Through the help and guidance of our elders, I was able to lead and pray the holy rosary at a very young age.
As I grow older, I was led to serve the Lord through the Legion of Mary that values, promotes, and protects the Catholic faith through Marian devotion and services. I heard a lot of people from different religion criticizing about the way Catholics treat Mama Mary. I have learned that there are three latin words that make the distinction with the way we worship God and venerate Mama Mary and the saints.
The first latin word is "Latria," which means worship to God alone. In Luke 10:27 it says, "You must love the LORD your God will all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind." This is a very clear message to all of us that God is the Supreme and Almighty God and no one else. The second latin word is "Hyper Dulia," this means veneration to Mary alone. The word veneration is a noun which means profound respect and reverence. As Catholics, we know that God chose the blessed Virgin Mary to play a very important role in the history of salvation and that is to be the co-redeemer of Jesus Christ in fulfilling God's plan. As such, we give high regard and reverence to Her role in redeeming the world from all sins by accepting and realizing God's plan and that is to immaculately conceive Jesus and be His mother. The third latin word is "Dulia," this refers to veneration to the saints alone. In Ephesians 6:18, "Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints." As ordinary human beings, we have to remember that the saints like us have tried to live a life rooted in following God's teachings and examples. As we try to emulate the faith and service they offered to God, we give our utmost reverence to all our saints as well.
Pope John Paul II chose as the motto of his episcopate and pontificate the words “Totus Tuus,” which means “All Yours,” as an act of entrustment to Mother Mary. Also, all legionaries in the world wholeheartedly recite “I am all Yours my Queen and my Mother and all that I have is Yours!” during the renewal of their commitment which is called Acies. At the same time, Doctor of the Church is a title that the Pope or an ecumenical council confers on certain saints to recognize them as eminent teachers of the faith for Christian of all times based from the teaching of the Church.
As we continue our journey in the Catholic faith, we are always reminded of the role of Mother Mary in the salvation of the world and I truly believe that our blessed Mother deserves all the praises and veneration as She is the Mother of Our Lord Jesus Christ!
Ave Maria!
