Preface to “Marian Devotions and the Last Things”

 

The publication of this eleventh volume of the series Précis of Official Catholic Teaching brings to a close the extraordinary and beneficial work produced by George P. Morse and his colleagues in CCSP. Entitled Marian Devotions and the Last Things, this work covers two topics which, at first glance, are quite distinct, but which, on a deeper and more faith-inspired level, share much in common. For, as we read in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin is a singular participation in her Son’s Resurrection and an anticipation of the resurrection of other Christians.” (n. 966)

It is very fitting that this last volume is dedicated to the doctrinal teachings of the Catholic Church on Mary, who is both Redemptoris Mater and Mater Ecclesiae, both Mother of the Redeemer and Mother of the Church. As we know, “Mary’s role in the Church is inseparable from her union with Christ and flows directly from it. (ibid. n. 964) She is honored as “Mother of the Church” precisely because she is “Mother of the Redeemer,” Jesus Christ.

From the earliest days of the Church, Mary, the Mother of Jesus Christ, has been honored in a very special way by the title “Mother of God,” under “whose protection the faithful take refuge together in prayer in all their perils and needs.” (Second Second Vatican II Ecumenical Council, Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, Lumen Gentium n. 66) The compendium of teachings found in this volume provide us not only with a broad spectrum of the Church’s doctrine on Mary, but they also underline how through all generations people of every nation and culture have been able to turn to her, as one turns to a loving Mother, and be assured of her loving protection.

IN contemplating the wondrous mystery of Mary, Mother of the Redeemer and Mother of the Church, we also see a reflection of what lies ahead for us, for “the mother of Jesus, in the glory which she possesses in body and soul in heaven, is the image and beginning of the Church as it is to be perfected in the world to come. Likewise, she shines forth on earth, until the day of the Lord shall come, a sign of certain hope and comfort to the pilgrim people of God.”

Therefore, it is fitting that CCSP has included in this final volume the teaching of the Magisterium on “The Last Things” and on our final end. Despite the rather limited number of documents which deal directly with this topic, the teachings on eschatology remind us of the very reason and purpose of our existence. We contemplate the image of Mary to understand what lies ahead for us, and what is our destiny — the destiny promised to all of God’s beloved sons and daughters.

By offering for our study and contemplation these official teachings both on “Marian Devotions” and on “The Last Things,” the compilers of these volumes bring to a conclusion the task they set out to perform some years ago, to present in a concise and readable manner the official teachings of the Catholic Church. Through their singular effort, and supported by our brother, James Cardinal Hickey, these volumes have been spread throughout the world, and have been of singular assistance especially to seminarians in countries where it would be almost impossible to procure these fundamental documents individually.

I talke this opportunity, then, in having the honor of presenting the last volume of Précis of Official Catholic Teaching, to offer a word of deep gratitude to Mr. George P. Morse and all of his associates at CCSP for this invaluable contribution. To you, the reader, it is my hope that, having read through and meditated on the extracts of these official teachings, you will be drawn to a deeper appreciation of the faith of the Church. Especially as we stand on the threshold of the Third Millennium, these documents offer to us another font for contemplating the mystery of our faith in Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever.

Jozef Cardinal Tomko
Prefect
Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples