One of the most common questions people ask about the Catholic faith is, “Why do Catholics pay so much attention to Mary?” Some even wonder if Catholics worship her. The answer is simple: Catholics do not worship Mary—we worship God alone. However, we do honor and revere Mary because of the unique role she played in God’s plan of salvation.
Mary’s “Yes” Changed History
Mary was chosen by God to be the mother of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. When the Angel Gabriel announced God’s plan, Mary responded with complete trust and obedience:
“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38)
Through her faithful “yes,” Mary became the mother of our Savior. Catholics honor her because God honored her first by choosing her for this extraordinary mission.
The First Disciple
Mary was Jesus’ first disciple. Long before anyone else followed Christ, Mary trusted Him completely. She remained faithful throughout His life—from His birth in Bethlehem to His death on the Cross and His Resurrection.
Her example teaches us what it means to follow God with humility, courage, and trust.
Mary Always Leads Us to Jesus
A common misconception is that devotion to Mary distracts from Jesus. In reality, authentic Marian devotion always points us toward her Son.
At the Wedding Feast at Cana, Mary’s words were simple and powerful:
“Do whatever He tells you.” (John 2:5)
Those words continue to summarize Mary’s role today. She never seeks attention for herself. Instead, she directs us to Christ.
Mary Is Our Spiritual Mother
As Jesus hung on the Cross, He entrusted His mother to the beloved disciple, saying:
“Behold, your mother.” (John 19:27)
The Church has long understood this moment as Jesus giving Mary to all believers as a spiritual mother. Just as loving mothers care for their children, Mary intercedes for us and brings our needs before her Son.
Asking for Mary’s Prayers
Catholics often ask Mary to pray for them, just as we might ask a friend or family member to pray for us. Because Mary is united perfectly with God in Heaven, we believe her prayers are especially powerful.
When Catholics pray the Hail Mary or the Rosary, they are asking Mary to pray with them and for them—not worshiping her.
A Model of Virtue
Mary exemplifies many of the virtues we seek to cultivate in our own lives:
- Humility
- Obedience
- Faith
- Purity
- Charity
- Courage
- Trust in God
For children especially, Mary provides a beautiful example of holiness that is both approachable and inspiring.
What Mary Teaches Us Today
In a world that often values self-promotion and independence, Mary teaches us something different. She teaches us to trust God’s plan, even when we do not fully understand it. She teaches us to listen, to serve, and to place Christ at the center of our lives.
At Everest Academy, we strive to help students develop a relationship with Jesus Christ. Mary helps us do that. As the perfect disciple and loving Mother of the Church, she continually points us toward her Son and encourages us to follow Him faithfully.
The more we come to know Mary, the more we come to know Jesus. And that is why Catholics throughout the world continue to honor, love, and revere the Blessed Virgin Mary.