Understanding the Drama around the New Marian Note released by the Vatican
by John Paul Philips Disclaimer : The opinions expressed in here are solely mine, and does not represent my diocese or seminary. Earlier this week, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of Faith (DDF) released its new Doctrinal Note titled, Mater Populi Fidelis (Mother of the Faithful People of God). In addition to pointing to positive titles of Mary, this note also directly addresses the push to define Mary as “Coredemptrix” and “Mediatrix of All Graces.” It has definitely stirred up a lot of deep feelings for many people. For most, this intervention feels sudden (ah, like the good ol’ hermeneutic of rupture claim!) But in the wider Church, this has been a low-simmering fire for decades. But, why did the DDF decide to act now?? Let’s unpack what’s happening, and why this is all happening! The “Drama” This document did not appear in a vacuum. It was a development. In its own presentation, the DDF says it is responding to “numerous requests and proposals” that have been “sowing confusio...