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Samuel Resende wrote: |
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Hi, guys —
My name is Samuel.
I've been exploring Catholicism for a couple of years now. I talk to my wife sometimes about what I've been discovering, and she is very anti-Catholic. She usually picks on images, prayers, devotion to the saints and, now and then, has new objections I find hard to answer.
Today, for example, she showed me pictures from a popular festival in the Philippines with thousands of people struggling to approach and touch a statue of Mary. We're from Brazil, and we're also used to see people in the shrine of Aparecida do the same thing. I tried to explain to her the Catholic view of images and the difference between them and idols, but still, it feels like there's no way to rationalize it, and I understand my wife. Even to me, in this case, it is difficult to understand.
I don't know what the Church’s official position on these popular devotions would be. I know they're not mandatory but optional, but still, it feels like not a good way at all to present the rich doctrine of the communion of the saints to a non-Catholic observer.
People are also so invested in it that it seems like they believe the statue is Mary herself, and that could be too much to ask a non-Catholic to process and try to willingly understand in good faith (that is, even a non-educated Catholic knows it's a symbol).
It raises the question of whether or not this could lead people away from Jesus, and if it wouldn't be more prudent for the Church to clearly impose limits and boundaries to these popular displays of devotions.
- What would your answer be in this situation?
Thank you and God bless you.
Samuel Resende
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| { How do we explain these incorrect perceptions non-Catholics can have about Mary? } |
Eric replied:
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Dear Samuel,
I've given this some thought. What follows is strictly my own opinion and observation.
I don't think we need to defend or justify every expression of devotion, nor do I think it is valid to argue that the Catholic Church is not the church of Christ because she fails to successfully rein in some devotion that I personally find offensive or dubious.
At the same time, we cannot judge hearts. Who knows what these people are intending. I can't evaluate a different culture.
Personally, I participate in what I feel comfortable with, maybe with a mental reservation. I know I'm not adoring Mary or rendering her any devotion that belongs to God alone. And It's OK to say, "I don't agree with what people are doing, it's confusing, it's embarrassing," etc.
Generally, the Church does not take an official position on devotions because devotions are a separate category from theology.
I can see individual bishops stepping in to put the kibosh on something over the top (as in South America, where some people crucify themselves as a devotion during Holy Week; I believe the bishops have spoken against that.
The problem with "the Church" (if by that you mean an authoritative decision of the Holy See) ruling on devotions, is that cultural context is essential and Rome cannot understand that context, so it leaves it to the local bishop, who may or may not be motivated to act.
There is no promise that the Church will always do the right, pastoral thing; only a promise that,
- when either the Church as a whole, in communion with the Pope, or
- the Pope alone speaking on a matter of faith and morals to all Christians invoking his Petrine authority,
It cannot err in Its Decision.
So, you're right, it might be more prudent for the Church (or the bishop, who is also the Church) to rein things in, You're not being unfaithful to argue for that; it's a legitimate position to take.
Eric
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Mike replied:
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Dear Samuel,
Let me add to Eric’s fine answer.
When over pious behavior can be seen as contradicting Catholic doctrine, we have a big problem.
Your wife is bringing up an issue that can come across as scandalous in the Church due to poor catechesis in certain parishes. The piety we have as humans for special organizations in our life can sometimes be misunderstood:
- Can the piety and devotion that New York Yankee fans have for Derek Jeter be misunderstood as a replacement for God?
- Can the piety and devotion that Boston Red Sox fans have for David Ortiz be misunderstood as a replacement for God?
- Can the piety and devotion that the New England Patriots fans have for Tom Brady be misunderstood as a replacement for God?
When questions like your wife’s and similar questions arise in the secular world, the Church must be on the scene to ensure there is an appropriate understanding of:
- the relationship between man and God, and
- the relationship between man (pilgrimaging on earth) and Mary (and the saints) in Heaven.
In the same way no one thinks Derek Jeter, nor David Ortiz, nor Tom Brady are replacing God . . .No one thinks Our Blessed Mother is replacing God, including Mary! because she is only human.
Mary (was/is) 100% human and in essence, 0% divine. The fact that Jesus instituted the Eucharist for us allows us (mankind) to partake in His Divine nature, though, we are still only human. We honor those God honors, so we honor (actually, super honor) Mary and honor the saints.
As Catholic Christian we encourage EVERYONE to develop a balanced devotion to our Blessed Mother Mary, whether you are a Catholic or not. Many of the saints and Early Church Fathers did. Praying the Rosary on a regular basis is a good start and I would encourage your wife to start praying it with you on a regular basis. Remember, it’s a Scriptural Prayer. . . . 100%!!!
You said:
. . . she is very anti-Catholic. She usually picks on images, prayers, devotion to the saints and, now and then, has new objections I find hard to answer.
Assuming she, identifies with, or goes to a Protestant congregation, what they are “teaching” her, are beliefs of a Church that doesn't exist. She's attacking a straw man. As I've said in the past,
- If one is interested in the Baptist faith, you don’t go to a Lutheran church, or
- If one is interested in the Lutheran faith, you don’t go to a Church of Christ gathering.
In the same way, if one is interested in the Catholic faith, you don’t go to a weak Catholic parish that have parishioners who are “Catholic in name only”, meaning, they don’t practice the faith by word and deed, (e.g. receiving the sacraments on a weekly basis in a state of grace.)
You go to a Catholic parish that has a pastor who is faithful to the Holy Father and Magisterium of the Church and believes in all Church councils and documents from Nicaea to Vatican II and beyond. Many of these type of Catholic parishes have Eucharistic and Marian devotions, like Eucharistic Adoration and praying the Rosary.
We worship God (Jesus) alone. No well-catechized Catholic worships any saint(s) including Mary!
For your own spiritual well-being, I recommend reading Catholic Apologetic books.
This would be a good start:
Mike
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