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Nicole Reardon  After the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, one of the most universally recognised characters in the Christian tradition is Mary — the mother of Jesus Christ.
Unpack the issues...
Known by many names including the Blessed Virgin, Our Lady, Mother of God and Queen of Heaven, this woman’s legacy has led to fierce debates that have caused radical upheaval, changing not only the Christian church but society forever. But how did this woman fuel so many changes? The devotion given to her in the Catholic Church certainly fired up Martin Luther, who in 1517 nailed his Ninety- Five Thesis to the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church and so began the Protestant Reformation. Amongst other things, in this thesis Luther challenged the idea of devotion to Mary and the intercession of Mary. The debate, and consequent rift Luther’s paper caused, resulted in the foundation of the Protestant Church with denominations including the Lutherans, Presbyterians and Anabaptists. Many people think this was the first time the mother of Jesus caused social upheaval. But this wasn’t the first time Mary – or at least her name – caused controversy.  In 1424, a French girl had had enough of England’s occupation of France and decided to join the war effort. Few people these days would remember the names of the important history-changing battles that she fought. Her name, however — Joan of Arc — is instantly recognisable and the flag she carried into battle, inspiring many French troops, bore the name of both Jesus and his mother, Mary. Mary also holds the title of “Patroness of the Americas” — and for good reason. Without her image, America may not now be recognised as a predominantly Christian nation.
When the Spanish missionaries arrived in America in the 16th Century, they faced the challenge of converting a native people practicing hundreds of different, complex languages and observing pagan religions; practices ranged from ceremonial dancing to orgiastic rites and human sacrifice. How could Christianity ever compete? The answer was Mary. The indigenous inhabitants cherished the images of her; decorating her and dressing her in robes. Education concerning matters of hygiene and sanitation came about through her, as the Bishop promoted Mary as “Our Lady of Health,” through whose intercession people could strive for health of the body as well as and health of the soul. As our minds flicker over the past — both the distant and not too distant — Mary’s presence pops up again and again. It is not possible to simply label her as a Christian figure, inspiring religious change. She has been more than that. Her character and image have inspired many people over the ages to take action, having social ramifications that effect how people live their lives today. Would Joan of Arc have inspired so many troops without the aid of Mary? Would the indigenous people of North and South America have taken to teachings on health and sanitation without the Virgin promoting it? Who knows…but there’s no doubting that the figure of Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, has a lot to answer for.
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