The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) Day 71: Mary’s Virginity (2026)
8 snips
Mar 12, 2026 A focused dive into Mary’s roles: her title as Mother of God, the virginal conception of Jesus, and the doctrine of her perpetual virginity. The discussion tackles scriptural silence, word usage like 'brothers,' and how Mary’s motherhood extends spiritually to believers. Brief reflections tie mystery and divine silence to the life of Christ.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Mary Is Theotokos Mother Of God
- Mary is truly Theotokos, the mother of the second person of the Trinity who assumed human nature.
- Fr. Mike cites Luke and Elizabeth's greeting to show early recognition of Jesus as Lord and Mary as his mother.
Virginal Conception Is Early Christian Claim
- The virginal conception is a divine, historical claim that Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit without human seed.
- Fr. Mike references early testimony like St. Ignatius of Antioch to show this belief dates to the early second century.
Belief Survived Opposition Because It Was True
- The Church argues the virginal conception wasn't invented to please pagans because it met opposition and mockery from the start.
- Fr. Mike points to the early and costly transmission of the belief as evidence it was kept because it was true, not popular.