Mary of Nazareth is the most controversial woman in history. Not only because she's the mother of Jesus of Nazareth who is the Christ, but because of her titles and adoration Catholics are showing her.Among the most controversial titles of the Blessed Virgin Mary are:
- THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION & MARY'S ASSUMPTION TO HEAVEN
Aside from the many Anti-Catholic articles, pamphlets, books, films and websites that attacks her credibility in the economy of salvation, authored by our seperated brethren in the Protestant churches, she remained the most sought Saint in the Catholic Church both the East and the Western tradition of the Catholic Church. She was even pictured by some "extremists" as hindrance to salvation according to the fact that Jesus is the only mediator between God and our humanity and that his sacrifice on the Cross is enough for the salvation of souls which is definitive to be true according The Catechism of the Catholic Church [616-608]
Just like any other Saints in heaven, Mary who has enjoyed the fullness of God's grace intercede for her Son Jesus Christ (see Marriage at Cana).
From recent years, some Protestants were now discovering the big role of Mary in our salvation. According to Time Magazine: "She was there at the Cross. Yet Protestants seldom talk about Jesus' mother at Easter—or at most other times. But they are starting to now..."(Time Magazine, March 21, 2005)
- Sad to realize that there are still many of our separated brethren who use their energy and wealth to discredit Catholic practices concerning Mary and their devotion to her. Among the hostile websites are the Chick Tract's attack on the Catholic Church as a whole. I pity their souls for wasting their time and energy to sow hatred among Christians while they themselves have failed to be "Christians" and to love even their own enemies.
In May while I was with my father in the hospital for a week, a group of so-called "Christian Mennonites came to visit every ward offering the sick Christian songs sang nicely. An informed Catholic shouldn't be persuaded by their angelic voices because while singing, they distribute small pamphlets with a Rosary image on its cover, thinking it's something Catholic. They are usually seen in unusual outdated fashion dresses, seemingly looking like Russians in their appearances. According to wikipedia, they "practice from old fashioned 'plain' people to those who are indistinguishable in dress and appearance from the general population."Below were the pamphlets they distribute to hospital patients mostly are Catholics.
Prayers or The Rosary? How will you be?
In response to their misinformation, I decided to pull out my treasured old Kerygma Magazines to distribute it, first to our room mates then to the next wards with the instruction to share the same magazine when they're done reading them. And because the magazine was printed in a special kind of paper and the layout of the said magazine is very professional, some family members of the sick requested for more. Curtly, I told them to order the magazine and invest treasure for their souls. (see below pictures for my old Kerygma Magazines)
For Catholics, we ask the intercession of Mama Mary to help our separated brethren to come back to Christ's true fold and discover the vast beauty of the Catholic Faith tested by history.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you;
Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.
(Luke 1:18,42)
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners;
Now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
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KNOW THE TRUTH MAGAZINE
By Fr. Paul Kaiparambadam
A magazine in defence of the Catholic Church
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