The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) Day 69: Born of the Virgin Mary (2026)
12 snips
Mar 10, 2026 A focused dive into Mary’s role in salvation, tracing how her faith and consent shape the Incarnation. Clarifies the Holy Spirit’s part in Jesus’ conception and why Mary is called Mother of God. Compares Mary with Old Testament figures and new Eve imagery. Concludes with a prayerful call to imitate her humble yes and welcome her into spiritual life.
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Mary's Role Illuminates Belief In Christ
- The Church grounds what it teaches about Mary in what it teaches about Christ and vice versa.
- Paragraph 487: belief about Mary is based on belief about Christ, and Mary's teaching illumines faith in Christ as explained by Fr. Mike Schmitz.
Holy Spirit Fecundates Mary's Womb At Annunciation
- The Annunciation marks the fullness of time when the Spirit sanctified Mary's womb to bring the Word into flesh.
- Paragraph 485 describes the Holy Spirit 'divinely fecundating' Mary so she conceives the eternal Son from her humanity.
God Desired Mary's Free Assent For Incarnation
- God wanted Mary's free cooperation even though he sent his Son, so her assent precedes the Incarnation.
- Fr. Mike cites Lumen Gentium: the Father willed the incarnation be preceded by the assent of the predestined mother.