Mary

Hi! 

Today I am doing a special entry about Mary.  Kellen got the idea that today we should have a JLand May Crowning for the Blessed Mother.  A JLand May Crowning is a special day where those in JLand who would like to participate put something in their journal honoring Mary.  You could perhaps post a picture  and a prayer.  Anything else you want to write is also ok.  If you would like to participate, see this entry in Kellen's journal:

Ascension and May Crowning Instructions

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I wanted to talk to you about a few things that we as Catholics believe about Mary. 

Catholics believe Mary was Immaculately Conceived (born without original sin).  She remained sinless throughout her life and will throughout eternity.  She did, however, require a Savior, like the rest of us.  His name is Jesus.  Here is what the Catholic Church believes about Mary's salvation:

The Catholic Church does not deny that the Virgin Mary required salvation, for she was a child of Adam like the rest of humanity. Yet, her redemption was effected in another, more perfect manner, namely, "redemption by pre-emption." One can be cured of a disease after having contracted it, OR one can be spared of that same disease by being inoculated against it in advance. Our Lady’s redemption was effected in this latter manner, thus sparing her from ever being under the dominion of Satan.

The Immaculate Conception of Our Lady was solemnly defined and proclaimed by Pope Pius IX on the 8th December, 1854:

"The most Blessed Virgin Mary was, from the first moment of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege of almighty God and by virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, Savior of the human race, preserved immune from all stain of original sin" (Ineffabilis Deus, 1854). 

Catholics believe we can pray to Mary (and others who are in Heaven) and ask her (and them) to pray for us. 

Okay, I am getting a little long here, so I am just going to give you a reference page for this one.  Please check this out!

Praying to the Saints

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Finally, I wanted to leave you with a short video.  It is about how one Catholic Church celebrates the "May Crowning" or "Coronation" of Mary.  This celebration takes place in May, and is celebrated in many Catholic Churches in America and around the world.

May Crowning at St. Mary of Czestochowa Church in Cisero, Illinois

Well, I guess that's enough to chew on for now!  If you have any questions at all you would like to ask me, please feel free, and I will do another entry!  

Love you all, Krissy :)

Oh, I forgot to say, to see the other Jlanders who have participated by making a "May Crowning" entry, stop by Kellen's journal, Faith in Roman Catholicism!  Kellen will list the other journals who have participated.  Please visit these journals!  :)

Tags: Blessed Mother, Mary, Immaculate Conception, praying to the saints, Mary Crowning, adult Catholic convert by choice!