Marian Catholicism Question

I went to the same church from the day I was born until the day I left for college. I also went to the Catholic school affiliated with that church. The name of the school was Rosary. I can tell you that I am 26, and I was taught the rosary at my school. There was also a statue of Mary inside the school building (I don't know if it's still there because I haven't been inside the school in 12 years), and there is still one inside the church itself. The changes made during Vatican II were made in an effort to make sure people didn't worship her AS God. She can (and of course they encourage you) be prayed to to ask for her intercession on behalf of us. Regardless of those changes, I don't think there is anyone at ANY level of the Catholic church that would tell you that Mary doesn't have a special place. She was chosen above ALL others to be the mother of God. No one (inside the church) can argue that that's not a major honor.

This is a very interesting post. I hope it's not pulled before I finish answering it!

You bring up so many points here. Every sentence I have something I'd like to respond to!

Our current parish is St. Mary's, so yeah, as you might imagine, it's ALL about the Blessed Mother.

The parish we got married in IS like the author of your book suggests. Mary has def taken a back seat.

When our oldest started school, we switched parishes because the first one had a full day kindergarten and we preferred half.

So then the next two kids were baptized in the second parish. And Mary also took a similar position in the church, but not the school. Of course we celebrated the Month of Mary in May, daily even, with great joy and importance, but in the day to day workings and teachings of the school, Mary's presence was very prominent. Perhaps since our principal was a nun?

I am 45 next month and right on the border of the generation change you mention. However, I'm the youngest of 5, and my own mother is a great follower of Mary, and stories highlighting Mary's life and contributions were my mom's fave Bible stories.

I think one of the first questions I asked on this sight involved my own feelings of inadequacy having such big shoes to fill as a mother.

I have not said the Rosary in many years, sigh.

Thank you for this post. I think I WILL say my Rosary tonight, and I WILL remember Mary in everything I do as a mother. I need a gentle reminder from time to time.

:)

I am 42 and went to catholic school from grades 1-5. I do not recall ever praying the whole rosary although I remember how to do it.
I actually pray to Mary more than anyone else though. I have great devotion to her although I really do not know where it came from. I believe she interceded on my behalf once and I felt like I owed her. My way of showing my great appreciation to her was to name my youngest daughter after her.

Interesting question! I look froward to the answers you get.

Do you get EWTN? Dr. Ray something is doing a series and tonight (Fri.) is about the significance of Mary in catholic tradition.
He is kind of funny too. I have a book of his called You Are a Better Parent Than You Think...
God Bless

I am 42, raised catholic, attended a catholic school thru 7th grade (my mother attended one all of her school years).

I know the Rosary and even as a non practicing Catholic or church goer since I was living in my Mothers home, I still occasionally do my Rpsary. More often since losing my Mother almost 4 years ago as it gives me solace and makes me feel closer to my own mother. It was very important to her. She also was not a church goer the last many many years of her life (from the time I was about 15..we all quit going...not sure why).

Thank you for bringing up Mary. I grew up Catholic and rejoined a parish recently. I didn't realize that Mary was not mentioned as much as when I was growing up and attending a grade school which was named in honor of her. Come to think of it, we have a statue of her at my new parish in the back of the church. I will start praying to her again! Thanks again for the enlightenment.

I'm 41 and went to Catholic school and was raised Catholic. We prayed the rosary often in school, I remember being able to do it on my own by First Communion, multiple rosaries were often given as penance. I will probably remember the Our Father and the Hail Mary and the Apostles Creed until the day I die lol.
My high school was named after Mary, so we celebrated Mary's Day in May and other holidays pertaining to her.