Jesus, Mary, and Joseph made up The Holy Family. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph figure prominently in the names of tens of thousands of Catholic Churches.
Mary and Joseph are hardly ever found in the names of any churches founded by schismatics.
Many of those in various schisms are actually surprised when asked “Why do we Catholics have so many churches named after Mary and Joseph, and you guys don’t have any?”
The answer often blurted out is frequently a surprise to the Protestant giving it, coming, as it does, from an unvisited and unquestioned thought accepted and believed since childhood: “Well, we do not worship Mary or Joseph. We only worship God.”
If a Catholic should reply, “We only worship God. We do not worship Mary, Joseph, or any other Saints.”, the schismatic is surprised.
“You don’t worship the statues in your churches?”
“No. Catholics are not allowed to do that. We do revere the Saints, especially Mary, because she was, and continues to be, The Mother of God.”
The schismatic is often at a loss for words. It cannot be denied that Mary was Jesus’ Mother, and that Jesus is God, the Second Person of the Trinity. But, schismatics are not used to thinking of Mary as The Mother of God. So, we just state that fact. It is important to remind Protestants that Mary is the Mother of God.
“You guys just aren’t used to thinking of Mary as the Mother of God. But, she is. That’s why Gabriel said, ‘Hail Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with thee.’ Later, Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, said to Mary, ‘Blessed are thou among women.’ She is actually The Mother of God.”
Sometimes, the schismatic is at a loss for words. The Catholic may continue. “God loves His Mother. We believe that Mary is very close to Her Son in Heaven. If we ask Mary to ask Her Son to help us, she will. He has a hard time saying ‘No.’ to His Mother.”
Usually, the schismatic will reply, “We prefer to ask God directly.”
We might answer, “We think that He loves His Mother a lot. Since Mary is close by in Heaven, Her requests are answered more quickly than ours. You should try. If you, or someone you love, is in great need, just say, the way Gabriel did, ‘Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.’ Then, ask her to intercede with Jesus, asking Him to grant the necessary assistance. After that help is provided, for Heaven’s sake, do not forget to say, ‘Thank you, Mary, Mother of God, for interceding for me.'”
Today commemorates Mary’s Assumption into Heaven. It’s a great day to remember: It is important to remind Protestants that Mary is the Mother of God.
