VOX POPULI
MARIAE MEDIATRICI
SPECIAL NOTIFICATION
Response to a Statement of an International Theological Commission
of the Pontifical International Marian Academy
June 13, 1997
In conclusion, the following summary points can be articulated:
- The present Pontiff, Pope John Paul II has used
the title "Coredemptrix" for the Blessed Virgin Mary
at least five occasions in Papal Teachings accompanied by profound
theological treatments on the unique participation of the Blessed
Virgin Mary in the redemption of humanity by Jesus Christ. The
titles and roles of "Mediatrix" and "Advocate"
are contained in the teachings of the Second Vatican Council (Lumen
Gentium, nn. 61, 62) and have a rich tradition and usage in
the Papal Magisterium of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries,
with special contribution by the present Papal Magisterium of
John Paul II.
- The teachings of the Second Vatican Council in
no way prohibit a solemn definition on Maternal Mediation, and
in fact call for a proper theological development and completion
of authentic Marian doctrine (cf. Lumen Gentium, n. 54).
- The specific contribution found in the Papal Teachings
of Pope John Paul II on the subject of the Maternal Mediation
of Mary as Coredemptrix, Mediatrix, and Advocate must be included
and appreciated in the contemporary development of mariological
doctrine, potentially leading to a solemn definition of Maternal
Mediation.
- The request for a solemn definition of the Maternal
Mediation of Mary in no way runs counter to the critical ecclesial
mandate for authentic ecumenical activity. The "whole truth
about Mary" as part of the "whole truth of the Gospel"
will serve as the foundation for ultimate Christian unity, as
taught by Christ and entrusted to the Church (cf. Redemptoris
Mater, n. 30, Ut Unum Sint, nn. 18, 36, 79,
94). In the words of Pope John Paul II : "To uphold a vision
of unity which takes account of all the demands of revealed truth
does not mean to put a brake on the ecumenical movement."14
The Blessed Virgin Mary must be seen not as an obstacle, but as
a motherly maternal instrument of unity of all Christians into
the one fold of Jesus Christ.
- The statements of the commission, while providing
a valuable contribution to the theological dialogue concerning
Our Lady’s Maternal Mediation, constitutes neither an authoritative
nor official condemnation of the petition for the solemn definition
of Maternal Mediation.
- The international Catholic movement, Vox Populi
Mariae Mediatrici, constituting 500 bishops, 42 cardinals,
and the petitions of 4.5 million faithful spanning 155 countries,
will continue to pray and work in obedience to the Papal Magisterium
of Pope John Paul II, in striving for the theological and ecclesial
maturity required for the solemn definition of the Maternal Mediation
of Mary as Coredemptrix, Mediatrix, and Advocate, as is its canonical
right and duty expressed in Canon 212, §2,3.
- Vox Populi Mariae Mediatrici leaves the
ultimate discernment and decision of the "possibility and
opportuneness" of the solemn definition of the Maternal Mediation
of the Blessed Virgin Mary to His Holiness Pope John Paul II,
and offers full obedience and submission to his final and definitive
judgment.
Dr. Mark I. Miravalle, S.T.D.
International President, Vox Populi Mariae Mediatrici
Professor of Theology and Mariology
Franciscan University of Steubenville
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