Christian Critique of the Catholic Immaculate Conception of Mary
THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
Ineffabilis Deus
Apostolic Constitution issued by Pope Pius IX on December 8, 1854.
God Ineffable -- whose ways are mercy and truth, whose will is
omnipotence itself, and whose wisdom "reaches from end to end mightily,
and orders all things sweetly" -- having foreseen from all eternity the
lamentable wretchedness of the entire human race which would result
from the sin of Adam, decreed, by a plan hidden from the centuries, to
complete the first work of his goodness by a mystery yet more
wondrously sublime through the Incarnation of the Word.
Note: The mystery of God is Christ in you. Thus we preach Jesus Christ.
To them God willed to make known what are the riches of
the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you,
the hope of glory. Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every
man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ
Jesus. Colossians 1:27-28.
This he decreed in order that man who, contrary to the plan of Divine
Mercy had been led into sin by the cunning malice of Satan, should not
perish; and in order that what had been lost in the first Adam would be
gloriously restored in the Second Adam.
Note: Eternal life is in Jesus Christ. Thus we preach Jesus Christ.
For since by man came death, by Man also came the
resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all
shall be made alive. But each one in his own order: Christ the
firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming. 1
Corinthians 15:21-23.
From the very beginning, and before time began, the eternal Father
chose and prepared for his only-begotten Son a Mother in whom the Son
of God would become incarnate and from whom, in the blessed fullness of
time, he would be born into this world.
Note: God chose a woman who was a virgin to bear Jesus Christ.
But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent
forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who
were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.
Galatians 4:4-5.
Note: Why was Pope Pius IX not preaching Jesus Christ?
Above all creatures did God so loved her that truly in her was the
Father well pleased with singular delight. Therefore, far above all the
angels and all the saints so wondrously did God endow her with the
abundance of all heavenly gifts poured from the treasury of his
divinity that this mother, ever absolutely free of all stain of sin,
all fair and perfect, would possess that fullness of holy innocence and
sanctity than which, under God, one cannot even imagine anything
greater, and which, outside of God, no mind can succeed in
comprehending fully.
Note: John the Baptist was greater than Mary per Jesus Christ.
As they departed, Jesus began to say to the multitudes
concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A
reed shaken by the wind? But what did you go out to see? A man clothed
in soft garments? Indeed, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’
houses. But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you,
and more than a prophet. For this is he of whom it is written: ‘Behold,
I send My messenger before Your face, who will prepare Your way before
You.’ “Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not
risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the
kingdom of heaven is greater than he. Matthew 11:7-11.
Note: Why was Pope Pius IX not preaching Jesus Christ?
Supreme Reason for the Privilege: The Divine Maternity
And indeed it was wholly fitting that so wonderful a mother should be
ever resplendent with the glory of most sublime holiness and so
completely free from all taint of original sin that she would triumph
utterly over the ancient serpent.
Note: Everyone besides Jesus Christ was born in original sin.
But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is
revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the
righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all
who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall
short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through
the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a
propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His
righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins
that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His
righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who
has faith in Jesus. Romans 3:21-26.
Note: Why was Pope Pius IX not preaching Jesus Christ?
To her did the Father will to give his only-begotten Son -- the Son
whom, equal to the Father and begotten by him, the Father loves from
his heart -- and to give this Son in such a way that he would be the
one and the same common Son of God the Father and of the Blessed Virgin
Mary. It was she whom the Son himself chose to make his Mother and it
was from her that the Holy Spirit willed and brought it about that he
should be conceived and born from whom he himself proceeds.[1]
Note: Mary was not in the will of God during the ministry of Jesus Christ.
While He was still talking to the multitudes, behold,
His mother and brothers stood outside, seeking to speak with Him. Then
one said to Him, “Look, Your mother and Your brothers are standing
outside, seeking to speak with You.” But He answered and said to the
one who told Him, “Who is My mother and who are My brothers?” And He
stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said, “Here are My
mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of My Father in
heaven is My brother and sister and mother.” Matthew 12:46-50.
Note: Why was Pope Pius IX not preaching Jesus Christ?
Liturgical Argument
The Catholic Church, directed by the Holy Spirit of God, is the pillar
and base of truth and has ever held as divinely revealed and as
contained in the deposit of heavenly revelation this doctrine
concerning the original innocence of the august Virgin -- a doctrine
which is so perfectly in harmony with her wonderful sanctity and
preeminent dignity as Mother of God -- and thus has never ceased to
explain, to teach and to foster this doctrine age after age in many
ways and by solemn acts.
Note: The Mother of God blasphemy is not found in Scripture.
But you must continue in the things which you have
learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them,
and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are
able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ
Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable
for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped
for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:14-17.
Note: Why was Pope Pius IX not preaching Jesus Christ?
From this very doctrine, flourishing and wondrously propagated in the
Catholic world through the efforts and zeal of the bishops, was made
very clear by the Church when she did not hesitate to present for the
public devotion and veneration of the faithful the Feast of the
Conception of the Blessed Virgin.[2]
Note: The Mother of God blasphemy is not the Christian Gospel.
Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I
preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by
which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached
to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all
that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to
the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the
third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas,
then by the twelve. 1 Corinthians 15:1-5.
Note: Why was Pope Pius IX not preaching Jesus Christ?
By this most significant fact, the Church made it clear indeed that the
conception of Mary is to be venerated as something extraordinary,
wonderful, eminently holy, and different from the conception of all
other human beings -- for the Church celebrates only the feast days of
the saints.
Note: Does the Catholic Church realize that Jesus Christ should be the focus?
So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or
regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of
things to come, but the substance is of Christ. Colossians 2:16-17.
Note: Why was Pope Pius IX not preaching Jesus Christ?
And hence the very words with which the Sacred Scriptures speak of
Uncreated Wisdom and set forth his eternal origin, the Church, both in
its ecclesiastical offices and in its liturgy, has been wont to apply
likewise to the origin of the Blessed Virgin, inasmuch as God, by one
and the same decree, had established the origin of Mary and the
Incarnation of Divine Wisdom.
Note: Christians will realize that Jesus Christ is the power and wisdom of God.
For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom;
but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to
the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and
Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 1 Corinthians
1:22-24.
Note: Why was Pope Pius IX not preaching Jesus Christ?
Ordinary Teaching of the Roman Church
These truths, so generally accepted and put into practice by the
faithful, indicate how zealously the Roman Church, mother and teacher
of all Churches, has continued to teach this doctrine of the Immaculate
Conception of the Virgin. Yet the more important actions of the Church
deserve to be mentioned in detail. For such dignity and authority
belong to the Church that she alone is the center of truth and of
Catholic unity. It is the Church in which alone religion has been
inviolably preserved and from which all other Churches must receive the
tradition of the Faith.[3]
Note: Faith in Jesus Christ comes from Scripture not the Catholic Church.
But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah
says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” So then faith comes by
hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:16-17.
Note: Why was Pope Pius IX not preaching Jesus Christ?
The same Roman Church, therefore, desired nothing more than by the most
persuasive means to state, to protect, to promote and to defend the
doctrine of the Immaculate Conception. This fact is most clearly shown
to the whole world by numerous and significant acts of the Roman
Pontiffs, our predecessors. To them, in the person of the Prince of the
Apostles, were divinely entrusted by Christ our Lord, the charge and
supreme care and the power of feeding the lambs and sheep; in
particular, of confirming their brethren, and of ruling and governing
the universal Church.
Note: The Apostle Peter had nothing to say about Mary.
You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand,
beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away
with the error of the wicked; 18but grow in the grace and knowledge of
our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and
forever. Amen. 2 Peter 3:17-18.
Note: Why was Pope Pius IX not preaching Jesus Christ?
Veneration of the Immaculate
Our predecessors, indeed, by virtue of their apostolic authority,
gloried in instituting the Feast of the Conception in the Roman Church.
They did so to enhance its importance and dignity by a suitable Office
and Mass, whereby the prerogative of the Virgin, her exception from the
hereditary taint, was most distinctly affirmed.
Note: Christians will do all to the glory of God not Mary.
Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31.
Note: Why was Pope Pius IX not preaching Jesus Christ?
As to the homage already instituted, they spared no effort to promote
and to extend it either by the granting of indulgences, or by allowing
cities, provinces and kingdoms to choose as their patroness God's own
Mother, under the title of "The Immaculate Conception."
Note: The Apostle Paul promoted Jesus Christ not Mary.
Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an
apostle, separated to the gospel of God which He promised before
through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, concerning His Son Jesus
Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the
flesh, and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the
Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. Through Him we
have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among
all nations for His name, among whom you also are the called of Jesus
Christ; To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 1:1-7.
Note: Why was Pope Pius IX not preaching Jesus Christ?
Again, our predecessors approved confraternities, congregations and
religious communities founded in honor of the Immaculate Conception,
monasteries, hospitals, altars, or churches; they praised persons who
vowed to uphold with all their ability the doctrine of the Immaculate
Conception of the Mother of God.
Note: The predecessors of Pope Pius IX were God forsaken blasphemers.
Marozia became the concubine of Pope Sergius III when
she was 15 and later took other lovers and husbands. She ensured that
her son John was seated as Pope John XI according to Antapodosis sive
Res per Europam gestae (958–62), by Liutprand of Cremona (c. 920–72).
Liutprand affirms that Marozia arranged the murder of her former lover
Pope John X (who had originally been nominated for office by Theodora)
through her then husband Guy of Tuscany possibly to secure the
elevation of her current favourite as Pope Leo VI. There is no record
substantiating that Pope John X had definitely died before Leo VI was
elected since John X was already imprisoned by Marozia and was out of
public view. Wikipedia Encyclopedia.
Note: Why was Pope Pius IX not preaching Jesus Christ?
Besides, it afforded the greatest joy to our predecessors to ordain
that the Feast of the Conception should be celebrated in every church
with the very same honor as the Feast of the Nativity; that it should
be celebrated with an octave by the whole Church; that it should be
reverently and generally observed as a holy day of obligation; and that
a pontifical Capella should be held in our Liberian pontifical basilica
on the day dedicated to the conception of the Virgin. Finally, in their
desire to impress this doctrine of the Immaculate Conception of the
Mother of God upon the hearts of the faithful, and to intensify the
people's piety and enthusiasm for the homage and the veneration of the
Virgin conceived without the stain of original sin, they delighted to
grant, with the greatest pleasure, permission to proclaim the
Immaculate Conception of the Virgin in the Litany of Loreto, and in the
Preface of the Mass, so that the rule of prayer might thus serve to
illustrate the rule of belief.
Note: The predecessors of Pope Pius IX were God forsaken blasphemers.
Pope Alexander VI, born Rodrigo de Borja, was Pope from
11 August 1492 until his death. He is one of the most controversial of
the Renaissance popes, partly because he acknowledged fathering several
children by his mistresses. Wikipedia Encyclopedia.
Note: Why was Pope Pius IX not preaching Jesus Christ?
Therefore, we ourselves, following the procedure of our predecessors,
have not only approved and accepted what had already been established,
but bearing in mind, moreover, the decree of Sixtus IV, [4] have
confirmed by our authority a proper Office in honor of the Immaculate
Conception, and have with exceeding joy extended its use to the
universal Church.[5]
Note: The predecessors of Pope Pius IX were God forsaken blasphemers.
Giovanni was elected Pope Leo X on 9 March 1513, and
this was proclaimed two days later. The absence of the French cardinals
effectively reduced the election to a contest between Giovanni (who had
the support of the younger and noble members of the College) and
Raffaele Riario (who had the support of the older group). On 15 March
1513, he was ordained priest, and consecrated as bishop on 17 March. He
was crowned Pope on 19 March 1513 at the age of 37. He was the last
non-priest to be elected Pope. In 1517 he led a costly war that
succeeded in securing his nephew as duke of Urbino, but which damaged
the papal finances. He later only narrowly escaped a plot by some
cardinals to poison him. He is probably best remembered for granting
indulgences for those who donated to reconstruct St. Peter's Basilica,
which practice was challenged by Martin Luther's 95 Theses. He seems
not to have taken seriously the array of demands for church reform that
would quickly grow into the Protestant Reformation. Wikipedia
Encyclopedia.
Note: Why was Pope Pius IX not preaching Jesus Christ?
The Roman Doctrine
Now inasmuch as whatever pertains to sacred worship is intimately
connected with its object and cannot have either consistency or
durability if this object is vague or uncertain, our predecessors, the
Roman Pontiffs, therefore, while directing all their efforts toward an
increase of the devotion to the conception, made it their aim not only
to emphasize the object with the utmost zeal, but also to enunciate the
exact doctrine.[6]
Note: Christians will worship the Father through Jesus Christ not Mary.
“But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true
worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father
is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship
Him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:23-24.
Note: Why was Pope Pius IX not preaching Jesus Christ?
Definitely and clearly they taught that the feast was held in honor of
the conception of the Virgin. They denounced as false and absolutely
foreign to the mind of the Church the opinion of those who held and
affirmed that it was not the conception of the Virgin but her
sanctification that was honored by the Church. They never thought that
greater leniency should be extended toward those who, attempting to
disprove the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin,
devised a distinction between the first and second instance of
conception and inferred that the conception which the Church celebrates
was not that of the first instance of conception but the second. In
fact, they held it was their duty not only to uphold and defend with
all their power the Feast of the Conception of the Blessed Virgin but
also to assert that the true object of this veneration was her
conception considered in its first instant.
Note: Everyone besides Jesus Christ was born with original sin.
Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the
world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because
all sinned. Romans 5:12.
Note: Why was Pope Pius IX not preaching Jesus Christ?
Hence the words of one of our predecessors, Alexander VII, who
authoritatively and decisively declared the mind of the Church:
"Concerning the most Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, ancient indeed
is that devotion of the faithful based on the belief that her soul, in
the first instant of its creation and in the first instant of the
soul's infusion into the body, was, by a special grace and privilege of
God, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, her Son and the Redeemer of
the human race, preserved free from all stain of original sin. And in
this sense have the faithful ever solemnized and celebrated the Feast
of the Conception."[7]
Note: Pope Alexander VII was the God forsaken torturer of Malta.
FABIO CHIGI (1634-39) was born in Siena in 1599. He
obtained a doctorate in law and, in 1629, became Vice-Legate for
Ferrara. On 23 April 1634, Urban VIII chose him as Inquisitor for
Malta. In that same year, he was ordained priest and, in 1635, he was
elected Bishop of Nardo; it was Balaguer, Bishop of Malta, who
consecrated him. His name became associated with the teaching of Arabic
in Malta. He improved the Inquisitor’s palace and prisons and helped
finance the building of the fortifications as far as his powers
permitted.
https://vassallohistory.wordpress.com/inquisition-in-malta/the-inquisitors-1561-1798/
Note: Why was Pope Pius IX not preaching Jesus Christ?
Moreover, our predecessors considered it their special solemn duty with
all diligence, zeal, and effort to preserve intact the doctrine of the
Immaculate Conception of the Mother of God. For, not only have they in
no way ever allowed this doctrine to be censured or changed, but they
have gone much further and by clear statements repeatedly asserted that
the doctrine by which we profess the Immaculate Conception of the
Virgin is on its own merits entirely in harmony with the ecclesiastical
veneration; that it is ancient and widespread, and of the same nature
as that which the Roman Church has undertaken to promote and to
protect, and that it is entirely worthy to be used in the Sacred
Liturgy and solemn prayers. Not content with this they most strictly
prohibited any opinion contrary to this doctrine to be defended in
public or private in order that the doctrine of the Immaculate
Conception of the Virgin might remain inviolate. By repeated blows they
wished to put an end to such an opinion. And lest these oft-repeated
and clearest statements seem useless, they added a sanction to them.
Note: The Apostle Paul warned us about Pope Pius IX and his predecessors.
Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock,
among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the
church of God which He purchased with His own blood. For I know this,
that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not
sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up,
speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves.
Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to
warn everyone night and day with tears. Acts 20:28-31.
Note: Why was Pope Pius IX not preaching Jesus Christ?
Papal Sanctions
All these things our illustrious predecessor, Alexander VII, summed up
in these words: "We have in mind the fact that the Holy Roman Church
solemnly celebrated the Feast of the Conception of the undefiled and
ever-Virgin Mary, and has long ago appointed for this a special and
proper Office according to the pious, devout, and laudable instruction
which was given by our predecessor, Sixtus IV.
Note: Pope Sixtus IV was sexual madman and blasphemer.
According to the later published chronicle of the
Italian historian Stefano Infessura, "Diary of the City of Rome",
Sixtus was a "lover of boys and sodomites" - awarding benefices and
bishoprics in return for sexual favours, and nominating a number of
young men as cardinals; some of whom were celebrated for their good
looks.
Note: Why was Pope Pius IX not preaching Jesus Christ?
Likewise, we were desirous, after the example of our predecessors, to
favor this praiseworthy piety, devotion, feast and veneration -- a
veneration which is in keeping with the piety unchanged in the Roman
Church from the day it was instituted. We also desired to protect this
piety and devotion of venerating and extolling the most Blessed Virgin
preserved from original sin by the grace of the Holy Spirit. Moreover,
we were anxious to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of
peace in the flock of Christ by putting down arguments and
controversies and by removing scandals. So at the instance and request
of the bishops mentioned above, with the chapters of the churches, and
of King Philip and his kingdoms, we renew the Constitutions and Decrees
issued by the Roman Pontiffs, our predecessors, especially Sixtus
IV,[8] Paul V,[9] and Gregory XV,[10] in favor of the doctrine
asserting that the soul of the Blessed Virgin, in its creation and
infusion into the body, was endowed with the grace of the Holy Spirit
and preserved from original sin; and also in favor of the feast and
veneration of the conception of the Virgin Mother of God, which, as is
manifest, was instituted in keeping with that pious belief. So we
command this feast to be observed under the censures and penalties
contained in the same Constitutions.
Note: Mary declared her need for a Savior and her sinfulness.
And Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.” Luke 1:46-47.
Note: Why was Pope Pius IX not preaching Jesus Christ?
"And therefore, against all and everyone of those who shall continue to
construe the said Constitutions and Decrees in a manner apt to
frustrate the favor which is thereby given to the said doctrine, and to
the feast and relative veneration, or who shall dare to call into
question the said sentence, feast and worship, or in any way whatever,
directly or indirectly, shall declare themselves opposed to it under
any pretext whatsoever, were it but only to the extent of examining the
possibilities of effecting the definition, or who shall comment upon
and interpret the Sacred Scripture, or the Fathers or Doctors in
connection therewith, or finally, for any reason, or on any occasion,
shall dare, either in writing or verbally, to speak, preach, treat,
dispute or determine upon, or assert whatsoever against the foregoing
matters, or who shall adduce any arguments against them, while leaving
them unresolved, or who shall disagree therewith in any other
conceivable manner, we hereby declare that in addition to the penalties
and censures contained in the Constitutions issued by Sixtus IV to
which we want them to be subjected and to which we subject them by the
present Constitution, we hereby decree that they be deprived of the
authority of preaching, reading in public, that is to say teaching and
interpreting; and that they be also deprived ipso facto of the power of
voting, either actively or passively, in all elections, without the
need for any further declaration; and that also, ipso facto, without
any further declaration, they shall incur the penalty of perpetual
disability from preaching, reading in public, teaching and
interpreting, and that it shall not be possible to absolve them from
such penalty, or remove it, save through ourselves, or the Roman
Pontiffs who shall succeed us.
Note: Pope Pius IX and the Sanhedrin were similar in their decrees.
And they agreed with him, and when they had called for
the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak
in the name of Jesus, and let them go. So they departed from the
presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to
suffer shame for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every house,
they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ. Acts
5:40-42.
Note: Why was Pope Pius IX not preaching Jesus Christ?
"We also require that the same shall remain subject to any other
penalties which by us, of our own free will -- or by the Roman
Pontiffs, our successors (according as they may decree) -- shall be
deemed advisable to establish, and by the present Constitution we
declare them subject thereto, and hereby renew the above Decrees and
Constitutions of Paul V and Gregory XV.
"Moreover, as regards those books in which the said sentence, feast and
relative veneration are called into question or are contradicted in any
way whatsoever, according to what has already been stated, either in
writing or verbally, in discourses, sermons, lectures, treatises and
debates -- that may have been printed after the above-praised Decree of
Paul V, or may be printed hereafter we hereby prohibit them, subject to
the penalties and censures established by the Index of prohibited
books, and ipso facto, without any further declaration, we desire and
command that they be held as expressly prohibited."[11]
Note: Pope Paul V made false decrees.
Pope Paul V instructed Cardinal Bellarmine to deliver
this finding to Galileo, and to order him to abandon the opinion that
heliocentrism was physically true. On 26 February, Galileo was called
to Bellarmine's residence and ordered:... to abandon completely... the
opinion that the sun stands still at the center of the world and the
earth moves, and henceforth not to hold, teach, or defend it in any way
whatever, either orally or in writing. Wikipedia Encyclopedia.
Note: Why was Pope Pius IX not preaching Jesus Christ?
Testimonies of the Catholic World
All are aware with how much diligence this doctrine of the Immaculate
Conception of the Mother of God has been handed down, proposed and
defended by the most outstanding religious orders, by the more
celebrated theological academies, and by very eminent doctors in the
sciences of theology. All know, likewise, how eager the bishops have
been to profess openly and publicly, even in ecclesiastical assemblies,
that Mary, the most holy Mother of God, by virtue of the foreseen
merits of Christ, our Lord and Redeemer, was never subject to original
sin, but was completely preserved from the original taint, and hence
she was redeemed in a manner more sublime.
Note: Mary lied about Joseph being the father of Jesus thus confirming her sin.
His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast
of the Passover. And when He was twelve years old, they went up to
Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. When they had finished
the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem.
And Joseph and His mother did not know it; but supposing Him to have
been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among
their relatives and acquaintances. So when they did not find Him, they
returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. Now so it was that after three days
they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers,
both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him
were astonished at His understanding and answers. So when they saw Him,
they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done
this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.” And He
said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be
about My Father’s business?” But they did not understand the statement
which He spoke to them. Luke 2:41-50.
Note: Why was Pope Pius IX not preaching Jesus Christ?
The Council of Trent
Besides, we must note a fact of the greatest importance indeed. Even
the Council of Trent itself, when it promulgated the dogmatic decree
concerning original sin, following the testimonies of the Sacred
Scriptures, of the Holy Fathers and of the renowned Council, decreed
and defined that all men are born infected by original sin;
nevertheless, it solemnly declared that it had no intention of
including the blessed and immaculate Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, in
this decree and in the general extension of its definition. Indeed,
considering the times and circumstances, the Fathers of Trent
sufficiently intimated by this declaration that the Blessed Virgin Mary
was free from the original stain; and thus they clearly signified that
nothing could be reasonably cited from the Sacred Scriptures, from
Tradition, or from the authority of the Fathers, which would in any way
be opposed to so great a prerogative of the Blessed Virgin.[12]
Note: The fictional book of Judith was canonized at the Council of Trent.
It is generally accepted that the Book of Judith is not
historical. The fictional nature "is evident from its blending of
history and fiction, beginning in the very first verse, and is too
prevalent thereafter to be considered as the result of mere historical
mistakes." Thus, the great villain is "Nebuchadnezzar, who ruled over
the Assyrians" (1:1), yet the historical Nebuchadnezzar II was the king
of Babylonia. Other details, such as fictional place names, the immense
size of armies and fortifications, and the dating of events, cannot be
reconciled with the historical record. Judith's village, Bethulia
(literally "virginity") is unknown and otherwise unattested to in any
ancient writing. Wikipedia Encyclopedia.
Note: Why was Pope Pius IX not preaching Jesus Christ?
Testimonies of Tradition
And indeed, illustrious documents of venerable antiquity, of both the
Eastern and the Western Church, very forcibly testify that this
doctrine of the Immaculate Conception of the most Blessed Virgin, which
was daily more and more splendidly explained, stated and confirmed by
the highest authority, teaching, zeal, knowledge, and wisdom of the
Church, and which was disseminated among all peoples and nations of the
Catholic world in a marvelous manner -- this doctrine always existed in
the Church as a doctrine that has been received from our ancestors, and
that has been stamped with the character of revealed doctrine. For the
Church of Christ, watchful guardian that she is, and defender of the
dogmas deposited with her, never changes anything, never diminishes
anything, never adds anything to them; but with all diligence she
treats the ancient documents faithfully and wisely; if they really are
of ancient origin and if the faith of the Fathers has transmitted them,
she strives to investigate and explain them in such a way that the
ancient dogmas of heavenly doctrine will be made evident and clear, but
will retain their full, integral, and proper nature, and will grown
only within their own genus -- that is, within the same dogma, in the
same sense and the same meaning.
Note: The Catholic Church has fulfilled a prophecy by the Apostle Paul.
I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus
Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His
kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season.
Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the
time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according
to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up
for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the
truth, and be turned aside to fables. 2 Timothy 4:1-4.
Note: Why was Pope Pius IX not preaching Jesus Christ?
Interpreters of the Sacred Scripture
The Fathers and writers of the Church, well versed in the heavenly
Scriptures, had nothing more at heart than to vie with one another in
preaching and teaching in many wonderful ways the Virgin's supreme
sanctity, dignity, and immunity from all stain of sin, and her renowned
victory over the most foul enemy of the human race. This they did in
the books they wrote to explain the Scriptures, to vindicate the
dogmas, and to instruct the faithful. These ecclesiastical writers in
quoting the words by which at the beginning of the world God announced
his merciful remedies prepared for the regeneration of mankind -- words
by which he crushed the audacity of the deceitful serpent and
wondrously raised up the hope of our race, saying, "I will put enmities
between you and the woman, between your seed and her seed"[13] --
taught that by this divine prophecy the merciful Redeemer of mankind,
Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, was clearly foretold: That
his most Blessed Mother, the Virgin Mary, was prophetically indicated;
and, at the same time, the very enmity of both against the evil one was
significantly expressed.
Note: This is a prophecy about the destruction of Satan by Jesus Christ.
“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and
between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you
shall bruise His heel.” Genesis 3:15.
Note: Why was Pope Pius IX not preaching Jesus Christ?
Hence, just as Christ, the Mediator between God and man, assumed human
nature, blotted the handwriting of the decree that stood against us,
and fastened it triumphantly to the cross, so the most holy Virgin,
united with him by a most intimate and indissoluble bond, was, with him
and through him, eternally at enmity with the evil serpent, and most
completely triumphed over him, and thus crushed his head with her
immaculate foot.[14]
Note: God crushes Satan not Mary.
And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet
shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. Romans
16:20.
Note: Why was Pope Pius IX not preaching Jesus Christ?
This sublime and singular privilege of the Blessed Virgin, together
with her most excellent innocence, purity, holiness and freedom from
every stain of sin, as well as the unspeakable abundance and greatness
of all heavenly graces, virtues and privileges -- these the Fathers
beheld in that ark of Noah, which was built by divine command and
escaped entirely safe and sound from the common shipwreck of the whole
world;[15]
Note: The ark was a demonstration of the faith by Noah.
By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet
seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his
household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the
righteousness which is according to faith. Hebrews 11:7.
Note: Why was the Catholic Church misinterpreting Holy Scripture?
in the ladder which Jacob saw reaching from the earth to heaven, by
whose rungs the angels of God ascended and descended, and on whose top
the Lord himself leaned'[16]
Note: Jesus Christ declared Himself to be the stairway to heaven.
And He said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you,
hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending
and descending upon the Son of Man.” John 1:51.
Note: Why was the Catholic Church misinterpreting Holy Scripture?
in that bush which Moses saw in the holy place burning on all sides,
which was not consumed or injured in any way but grew green and
blossomed beautifully;[17]
Note: The bush that was not consumed symbolized eternal life.
Jesus answered and said to them, “Are you not therefore
mistaken, because you do not know the Scriptures nor the power of God?
For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in
marriage, but are like angels in heaven. But concerning the dead, that
they rise, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the burning bush
passage, how God spoke to him, saying, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the
God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead, but
the God of the living. You are therefore greatly mistaken.” Mark
12:24-27.
Note: Why was the Catholic Church misinterpreting Holy Scripture?
in that impregnable tower before the enemy, from which hung a thousand bucklers and all the armor of the strong;[18]
Note: This describes love between spouses and is not about Mary.
Your neck is like the tower of David, built for an
armory, on which hang a thousand bucklers, all shields of mighty men.
Song of Solomon 4:4
Note: Why was the Catholic Church misinterpreting Holy Scripture?
in that garden enclosed on all sides, which cannot be violated or corrupted by any deceitful plots;[19]
Note: This describes love between spouses and is not about Mary.
Your lips, O my spouse, drip as the honeycomb; Honey
and milk are under your tongue; and the fragrance of your garments is
like the fragrance of Lebanon. A garden enclosed is my sister, my
spouse, a spring shut up, a fountain sealed. Song of Solomon 4:12.
Note: Why was the Catholic Church misinterpreting Holy Scripture?
as in that resplendent city of God, which has its foundations on the holy mountains;[20]
Note: This describes city of Jerusalem and is not about Mary.
His foundation is in the holy mountains. The Lord loves
the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. Glorious things
are spoken of you, O city of God! Psalm 87:1-3.
Note: Why was the Catholic Church misinterpreting Holy Scripture?
in that most august temple of God, which, radiant with divine splendors, is full of the glory of God;[21]
Note: The prophet Isaiah saw a vision of God in the temple not of Mary.
In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord
sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe
filled the temple. Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings:
with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with
two he flew. And one cried to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is
the Lord of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!” And the posts
of the door were shaken by the voice of him who cried out, and the
house was filled with smoke. Isaiah 6:1-4.
Note: Why was the Catholic Church misinterpreting Holy Scripture?
and in very many other biblical types of this kind. In such allusions
the Fathers taught that the exalted dignity of the Mother of God, her
spotless innocence and her sanctity unstained by any fault, had been
prophesied in a wonderful manner.
Note: Christians will not be distracted by false allusions of Mary.
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn
over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in
heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or
dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through
Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things
consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the
beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have
the preeminence. Colossians 1:15-18.
Note: Why was the Catholic Church misinterpreting Holy Scripture?
In like manner did they use the words of the prophets to describe this
wondrous abundance of divine gifts and the original innocence of the
Virgin of whom Jesus was born. They celebrated the august Virgin as the
spotless dove, as the holy Jerusalem, as the exalted throne of God, as
the ark and house of holiness which Eternal Wisdom built, and as that
Queen who, abounding in delights and leaning on her Beloved, came forth
from the mouth of the Most High, entirely perfect, beautiful, most dear
to God and never stained with the least blemish.
Note: God hates the false concept of the queen of heaven.
“Therefore do not pray for this people, nor lift up a
cry or prayer for them, nor make intercession to Me; for I will not
hear you. Do you not see what they do in the cities of Judah and in the
streets of Jerusalem? The children gather wood, the fathers kindle the
fire, and the women knead dough, to make cakes for the queen of heaven;
and they pour out drink offerings to other gods, that they may provoke
Me to anger. Do they provoke Me to anger?” says the Lord. “Do they not
provoke themselves, to the shame of their own faces?” Therefore thus
says the Lord GOD: “Behold, My anger and My fury will be poured out on
this place—on man and on beast, on the trees of the field and on the
fruit of the ground. And it will burn and not be quenched.” Jeremiah
7:16-20.
Note: Why was the Catholic Church misinterpreting Holy Scripture?
The Annunciation
When the Fathers and writers of the Church meditated on the fact that
the most Blessed Virgin was, in the name and by order of God himself,
proclaimed full of grace[22] by the Angel Gabriel when he announced her
most sublime dignity of Mother of God, they thought that this singular
and solemn salutation, never heard before, showed that the Mother of
God is the seat of all divine graces and is adorned with all gifts of
the Holy Spirit. To them Mary is an almost infinite treasury, an
inexhaustible abyss of these gifts, to such an extent that she was
never subject to the curse and was, together with her Son, the only
partaker of perpetual benediction. Hence she was worthy to hear
Elizabeth, inspired by the Holy Spirit, exclaim: "Blessed are you among
women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb."[23]
Note: Mary displayed her sinfulness as she was “troubled” by good news.
And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice,
highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”
But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered
what manner of greeting this was. Luke 1:29-30.
Note: Mary was blessed among women only.
Mary Compared with Eve
Hence, it is the clear and unanimous opinion of the Fathers that the
most glorious Virgin, for whom "he who is mighty has done great
things," was resplendent with such an abundance of heavenly gifts, with
such a fullness of grace and with such innocence, that she is an
unspeakable miracle of God -- indeed, the crown of all miracles and
truly the Mother of God; that she approaches as near to God himself as
is possible for a created being; and that she is above all men and
angels in glory. Hence, to demonstrate the original innocence and
sanctity of the Mother of God, not only did they frequently compare her
to Eve while yet a virgin, while yet innocence, while yet incorrupt,
while not yet deceived by the deadly snares of the most treacherous
serpent; but they have also exalted her above Eve with a wonderful
variety of expressions. Eve listened to the serpent with lamentable
consequences; she fell from original innocence and became his slave.
The most Blessed Virgin, on the contrary, ever increased her original
gift, and not only never lent an ear to the serpent, but by divinely
given power she utterly destroyed the force and dominion of the evil
one.
Note: Eve and Mary both died due to sin but eternal life is in Jesus Christ.
Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came
to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s
righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification
of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so
also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous. Moreover the
law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded,
grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so
grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Romans 5:18-21.
Note: Everyone has sinned and everyone needs Jesus Christ for eternal life.
Biblical Figures
Accordingly, the Fathers have never ceased to call the Mother of God
the lily among thorns, the land entirely intact, the Virgin undefiled,
immaculate, ever blessed, and free from all contagion of sin, she from
whom was formed the new Adam, the flawless, brightest, and most
beautiful paradise of innocence, immortality and delights planted by
God himself and protected against all the snares of the poisonous
serpent, the incorruptible wood that the worm of sin had never
corrupted, the fountain ever clear and sealed with the power of the
Holy Spirit, the most holy temple, the treasure of immortality, the one
and only daughter of life -- not of death -- the plant not of anger but
of grace, through the singular providence of God growing ever green
contrary to the common law, coming as it does from a corrupted and
tainted root.
Note: Mary was the mother of the humanity of Jesus not of God.
Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called
Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey. And when they
had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying:
Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and
Matthew; James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas the
son of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and
supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His
brothers. Acts 1:12-14.
Note: Why does the Catholic Church ignore the brothers of Jesus Christ?
Explicit Affirmation
As if these splendid eulogies and tributes were not sufficient, the
Fathers proclaimed with particular and definite statements that when
one treats of sin, the holy Virgin Mary is not even to be mentioned;
for to her more grace was given than was necessary to conquer sin
completely.[24] They also declared that the most glorious Virgin was
Reparatrix of the first parents, the giver of life to posterity; that
she was chosen before the ages, prepared for himself by the Most High,
foretold by God when he said to the serpent, "I will put enmities
between you and the woman."[25]-unmistakable evidence that she was
crushed the poisonous head of the serpent. And hence they affirmed that
the Blessed Virgin was, through grace, entirely free from every stain
of sin, and from all corruption of body, soul and mind; that she was
always united with God and joined to him by an eternal covenant; that
she was never in darkness but always in light; and that, therefore, she
was entirely a fit habitation for Christ, not because of the state of
her body, but because of her original grace.
Note: Joseph and Mary had sex after the birth of Jesus Christ.
So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which
was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: “Behold, the virgin
shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name
Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” Then Joseph, being
aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took
to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her
firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus. Matthew 1:22-25.
Note: Why does the Catholic Church ignore the brothers of Jesus Christ?
Of a Super Eminent Sanctity
To these praises they have added very noble words. Speaking of the
conception of the Virgin, they testified that nature yielded to grace
and, unable to go on, stood trembling. The Virgin Mother of God would
not be conceived by Anna before grace would bear its fruits; it was
proper that she be conceived as the first-born, by whom "the first-born
of every creature" would be conceived. They testified, too, that the
flesh of the Virgin, although derived from Adam, did not contract the
stains of Adam, and that on this account the most Blessed Virgin was
the tabernacle created by God himself and formed by the Holy Spirit,
truly a work in royal purple, adorned and woven with gold, which that
new Beseleel[26] made. They affirmed that the same Virgin is, and is
deservedly, the first and especial work of God, escaping the fiery
arrows the the evil one; that she is beautiful by nature and entirely
free from all stain; that at her Immaculate Conception she came into
the world all radiant like the dawn. For it was certainly not fitting
that this vessel of election should be wounded by the common injuries,
since she, differing so much from the others, had only nature in common
with them, not sin. In fact, it was quite fitting that, as the
Only-Begotten has a Father in heaven, whom the Seraphim extol as thrice
holy, so he should have a Mother on earth who would never be without
the splendor of holiness.
Note: Mary was not in the will of God during the ministry of Jesus Christ.
While He was still talking to the multitudes, behold,
His mother and brothers stood outside, seeking to speak with Him. Then
one said to Him, “Look, Your mother and Your brothers are standing
outside, seeking to speak with You.” But He answered and said to the
one who told Him, “Who is My mother and who are My brothers?” And He
stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said, “Here are My
mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of My Father in
heaven is My brother and sister and mother.” Matthew 12:46-50.
Note: Why does the Catholic Church ignore the brothers of Jesus Christ?
This doctrine so filled the minds and souls of our ancestors in the
faith that a singular and truly marvelous style of speech came into
vogue among them. They have frequently addressed the Mother of God as
immaculate, as immaculate in every respect; innocent, and verily most
innocent; spotless, and entirely spotless; holy and removed from every
stain of sin; all pure, all stainless, the very model of purity and
innocence; more beautiful than beauty, more lovely than loveliness;
more holy than holiness, singularly holy and most pure in soul and
body; the one who surpassed all integrity and virginity; the only one
who has become the dwelling place of all the graces of the most Holy
Spirit. God alone excepted, Mary is more excellent than all, and by
nature fair and beautiful, and more holy than the Cherubim and
Seraphim. To praise her all the tongues of heaven and earth do not
suffice.
Note: Jesus Christ did not praise Mary.
On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of
Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Now both Jesus and His
disciples were invited to the wedding. And when they ran out of wine,
the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.” Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.” John 2:1-4.
Note: Why does the Catholic Church promote false doctrines?
Everyone is cognizant that this style of speech has passed almost
spontaneously into the books of the most holy liturgy and the Offices
of the Church, in which they occur so often and abundantly. In them,
the Mother of God is invoked and praised as the one spotless and most
beautiful dove, as a rose ever blooming, as perfectly pure, ever
immaculate, and ever blessed. She is celebrated as innocence never
sullied and as the second Eve who brought forth the Emmanuel.
Note: God shares His glory with no one.
I am the Lord, that is My name; and My glory I will not give to another, nor My praise to carved images. Isaiah 42:8.
Note: Why does the Catholic Church practice idolatry?
Preparation for the Definition
No wonder, then, that the Pastors of the Church and the faithful
gloried daily more and more in professing with so much piety, religion,
and love this doctrine of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin
Mother of God, which, as the Fathers discerned, was recorded in the
Divine Scriptures; which was handed down in so many of their most
important writings; which was expressed and celebrated in so many
illustrious monuments of venerable antiquity; which was proposed and
confirmed by the official and authoritative teaching of the Church.
Hence, nothing was dearer, nothing more pleasing to these pastors than
to venerate, invoke, and proclaim with most ardent affection the Virgin
Mother of God conceived without original stain. Accordingly, from
ancient times the bishops of the Church, ecclesiastics, religious
orders, and even emperors and kings, have earnestly petitioned this
Apostolic See to define a dogma of the Catholic Faith the Immaculate
Conception of the most holy Mother of God.
Note: Jesus Christ called His mother woman in Scripture.
Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and
His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When
Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing
by, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold your son!” Then He said to
the disciple, “Behold your mother!” And from that hour that disciple
took her to his own home. John 19:25-27.
Note: Why does Catholic Church dogma differ with Holy Scripture?
These petitions were renewed in these our own times; they were
especially brought to the attention of Gregory XVI, our predecessor of
happy memory, and to ourselves, not only by bishops, but by the secular
clergy and religious orders, by sovereign rulers and by the faithful.
Note: Pope Gregory XVI was a dictator at heart.
In the encyclical Mirari vos, he pronounced it “false
and absurd, or rather mad, that we must secure and guarantee to each
one liberty of conscience.” He encouraged missionary activity abroad
and condemned the slave trade. However, his harsh repression, financial
extravagance and neglectfulness left him deeply unpopular domestically.
Wikipedia Encyclopedia.
Note: Why have popes been mostly evil for the last thousand years?
Mindful, indeed, of all these things and considering them most
attentively with particular joy in our heart, as soon as we, by the
inscrutable design of Providence, had been raised to the sublime Chair
of St. Peter -- in spite of our unworthiness -- and had begun to govern
the universal Church, nothing have we had more at heart -- a heart
which from our tenderest years has overflowed with devoted veneration
and love for the most Blessed Virgin -- than to show forth her
prerogatives in resplendent light.
Note: Why does the Catholic Church ignore the brothers of Jesus Christ?
Now it came to pass, when Jesus had finished these
parables, that He departed from there. When He had come to His own
country, He taught them in their synagogue, so that they were
astonished and said, “Where did this Man get this wisdom and these
mighty works? Is this not the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called
Mary? And His brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas? And His sisters,
are they not all with us? Where then did this Man get all these
things?” So they were offended at Him. But Jesus said to them, “A
prophet is not without honor except in his own country and in his own
house.” Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their
unbelief. Matthew 13:53-58.
Note: Mary caused this unbelief by lying whom was the father of Jesus.
That we might proceed with great prudence, we established a special
congregation of our venerable brethren, the cardinals of the holy Roman
Church, illustrious for their piety, wisdom, and knowledge of the
sacred scriptures. We also selected priests, both secular and regular,
well trained in the theological sciences, that they should most
carefully consider all matters pertaining to the Immaculate Conception
of the Virgin and make known to us their opinion.
Note: Why does the Catholic Church ignore the brothers of Jesus Christ?
Then He went out from there and came to His own
country, and His disciples followed Him. And when the Sabbath had come,
He began to teach in the synagogue. And many hearing Him were
astonished, saying, “Where did this Man get these things? And what
wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are
performed by His hands! Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and
brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here
with us?” So they were offended at Him. But Jesus said to them, “A
prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own
relatives, and in his own house.” Mark 6:1-4.
Note: Mary caused this unbelief by lying whom was the father of Jesus.
The Mind of the Bishops
Although we knew the mind of the bishops from the petitions which we
had received from them, namely, that the Immaculate Conception of the
Blessed Virgin be finally defined, nevertheless, on February 2,
1849,[27] we sent an Encyclical Letter from Gaeta to all our venerable
brethren, the bishops of the Catholic world, that they should offer
prayers to God and then tell us in writing what the piety an devotion
of their faithful was in regard to the Immaculate Conception of the
Mother of God. We likewise inquired what the bishops themselves thought
about defining this doctrine and what their wishes were in regard to
making known with all possible solemnity our supreme judgment.
We were certainly filled with the greatest consolation when the replies
of our venerable brethren came to us. For, replying to us with a most
enthusiastic joy, exultation and zeal, they not only again confirmed
their own singular piety toward the Immaculate Conception of the most
Blessed Virgin, and that of the secular and religious clergy and of the
faithful, but with one voice they even entreated us to define our
supreme judgment and authority the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin.
In the meantime we were indeed filled with no less joy when, after a
diligent examination, our venerable brethren, the cardinals of the
special congregation and the theologians chosen by us as counselors
(whom we mentioned above), asked with the same enthusiasm and fervor
for the definition of the Immaculate Conception of the Mother of God.
Note: Mary was not in the will of God during the ministry of Jesus Christ.
Then His brothers and His mother came, and standing
outside they sent to Him, calling Him. And a multitude was sitting
around Him; and they said to Him, “Look, Your mother and Your brothers
are outside seeking You.” But He answered them, saying, “Who is My
mother, or My brothers?” And He looked around in a circle at those who
sat about Him, and said, “Here are My mother and My brothers! For
whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother.”
Mark 3:31-35.
Note: Why does the Catholic Church ignore the brothers of Jesus Christ?
Consequently, following the examples of our predecessors, and desiring
to proceed in the traditional manner, we announced and held a
consistory, in which we addressed our brethren, the cardinals of the
Holy Roman Church. It was the greatest spiritual joy for us when we
heard them ask us to promulgate the dogmatic definition of the
Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mother of God.[28]
Therefore, having full trust in the Lord that the opportune time had
come for defining the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
Mother of God, which Holy Scripture, venerable Tradition, the constant
mind of the Church, the desire of Catholic bishops and the faithful,
and the memorable Acts and Constitutions of our predecessors,
wonderfully illustrate and proclaim, and having most diligently
considered all things, as we poured forth to God ceaseless and fervent
prayers, we concluded that we should no longer delay in decreeing and
defining by our supreme authority the Immaculate Conception of the
Blessed Virgin. And thus, we can satisfy the most holy desire of the
Catholic world as well as our own devotion toward the most holy Virgin,
and at the same time honor more and more the only begotten Son, Jesus
Christ our Lord through his holy Mother -- since whatever honor and
praise are bestowed on the Mother redound to the Son.
Note: Pope Pius IX should never have followed the example of his predecessors.
The low point of the papacy was 867–1049. This period
includes the Saeculum obscurum, the Crescentii era, and the Tusculan
Papacy. The papacy came under the control of vying political factions.
Popes were variously imprisoned, starved, killed, and deposed by force.
The family of a certain papal official made and unmade popes for fifty
years. The official's great-grandson, Pope John XII, held orgies of
debauchery in the Lateran Palace. Otto I, Holy Roman Emperor had John
accused in an ecclesiastical court, which deposed him and elected a
layman as Pope Leo VIII. John mutilated the Imperial representatives in
Rome and had himself reinstated as pope. Conflict between the Emperor
and the papacy continued, and eventually dukes in league with the
emperor were buying bishops and popes almost openly. Wikipedia
Encyclopedia.
Note: The Catholic Church has been preaching heresy for over a thousand years.
The Definition
Wherefore, in humility and fasting, we unceasingly offered our private
prayers as well as the public prayers of the Church to God the Father
through his Son, that he would deign to direct and strengthen our mind
by the power of the Holy Spirit. In like manner did we implore the help
of the entire heavenly host as we ardently invoked the Paraclete.
Accordingly, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, for the honor of
the Holy and undivided Trinity, for the glory and adornment of the
Virgin Mother of God, for the exaltation of the Catholic Faith, and for
the furtherance of the Catholic religion, by the authority of Jesus
Christ our Lord, of the Blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, and by our
own: "We declare, pronounce, and define that the doctrine which holds
that the most Blessed Virgin Mary, in the first instance of her
conception, by a singular grace and privilege granted by Almighty God,
in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the human race,
was preserved free from all stain of original sin, is a doctrine
revealed by God and therefore to be believed firmly and constantly by
all the faithful."[29]
Note: Mary was not in the will of God during the ministry of Jesus Christ.
Then His mother and brothers came to Him, and could not
approach Him because of the crowd. And it was told Him by some, who
said, “Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, desiring to
see You.” But He answered and said to them, “My mother and My brothers
are these who hear the word of God and do it.” Luke 8:19-22.
Note: Why does the Catholic Church ignore the brothers of Jesus Christ?
Hence, if anyone shall dare -- which God forbid! -- to think otherwise
than as has been defined by us, let him know and understand that he is
condemned by his own judgment; that he has suffered shipwreck in the
faith; that he has separated from the unity of the Church; and that,
furthermore, by his own action he incurs the penalties established by
law if he should are to express in words or writing or by any other
outward means the errors he think in his heart.
Note: Christians cannot be Roman Catholic per Pope Pius IX.
But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the
promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.
But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for
the faith which would afterward be revealed. Therefore the law was our
tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But
after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. Galatians 3:22-25.
Note: Believing Pope Pius IX will shipwreck your faith in Jesus Christ.
Hoped-For Results
Our soul overflows with joy and our tongue with exultation. We give,
and we shall continue to give, the humblest and deepest thanks to Jesus
Christ, our Lord, because through his singular grace he has granted to
us, unworthy though we be, to decree and offer this honor and glory and
praise to his most holy Mother. All our hope do we repose in the most
Blessed Virgin -- in the all fair and immaculate one who has crushed
the poisonous head of the most cruel serpent and brought salvation to
the world: in her who is the glory of the prophets and apostles, the
honor of the martyrs, the crown and joy of all the saints; in her who
is the safest refuge and the most trustworthy helper of all who are in
danger; in her who, with her only-begotten Son, is the most powerful
Mediatrix and Conciliatrix in the whole world; in her who is the most
excellent glory, ornament, and impregnable stronghold of the holy
Church; in her who has destroyed all heresies and snatched the faithful
people and nations from all kinds of direst calamities; in her do we
hope who has delivered us from so many threatening dangers.
Note: Christians will place their hope in Jesus Christ not Mary.
We give thanks to God always for you all, making
mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of
faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in
the sight of our God and Father, knowing, beloved brethren, your
election by God. 1 Thessalonians 1:2-4.
Note: Believing Pope Pius IX will shipwreck your faith in Jesus Christ.
We have, therefore, a very certain hope and complete confidence that
the most Blessed Virgin will ensure by her most powerful patronage that
all difficulties be removed and all errors dissipated, so that our Holy
Mother the Catholic Church may flourish daily more and more throughout
all the nations and countries, and may reign "from sea to sea and from
the river to the ends of the earth," and may enjoy genuine peace,
tranquility and liberty. We are firm in our confidence that she will
obtain pardon for the sinner, health for the sick, strength of heart
for the weak, consolation for the afflicted, help for those in danger;
that she will remove spiritual blindness from all who are in error, so
that they may return to the path of truth and justice, and that here
may be one flock and one shepherd.
Note: Christians will place their hope in Jesus Christ not Mary.
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of
God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope, to Timothy, a true
son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus
Christ our Lord. 1 Timothy 1:1-2.
Note: Believing Pope Pius IX will shipwreck your faith in Jesus Christ.
Let all the children of the Catholic Church, who are so very dear to
us, hear these words of ours. With a still more ardent zeal for piety,
religion and love, let them continue to venerate, invoke and pray to
the most Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, conceived without original
sin. Let them fly with utter confidence to this most sweet Mother of
mercy and grace in all dangers, difficulties, needs, doubts and fears.
Under her guidance, under her patronage, under her kindness and
protection, nothing is to be feared; nothing is hopeless. Because,
while bearing toward us a truly motherly affection and having in her
care the work of our salvation, she is solicitous about the whole human
race. And since she has been appointed by God to be the Queen of heaven
and earth, and is exalted above all the choirs of angels and saints,
and even stands at the right hand of her only-begotten Son, Jesus
Christ our Lord, she presents our petitions in a most efficacious
manner. What she asks, she obtains. Her pleas can never be unheard.
Note: God hates the false concept of the queen of heaven.
Moreover Jeremiah said to all the people and to all the
women, “Hear the word of the Lord, all Judah who are in the land of
Egypt! Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, saying: ‘You and
your wives have spoken with your mouths and fulfilled with your hands,
saying, “We will surely keep our vows that we have made, to burn
incense to the queen of heaven and pour out drink offerings to her.”
You will surely keep your vows and perform your vows!’ Therefore hear
the word of the Lord, all Judah who dwell in the land of Egypt:
‘Behold, I have sworn by My great name,’ says the Lord, ‘that My name
shall no more be named in the mouth of any man of Judah in all the land
of Egypt, saying, “The Lord GOD lives.” Behold, I will watch over them
for adversity and not for good. And all the men of Judah who are in the
land of Egypt shall be consumed by the sword and by famine, until there
is an end to them. Jeremiah 44:24-27.
Note: Believing Pope Pius IX will shipwreck your faith in Jesus Christ.
Given at St. Peter's in Rome, the eighth day of December, 1854, in the eighth year of our pontificate.
Pius IX
FOOTNOTES
1. Et quidem decebat omnino, ut perfectissimae
sanctitatis splendoribus semper ornata fulgeret, ac vel ab ipsa
originalis culpae labe plane immunis amplissimum de antiquo sepente
triumphum referret tam venerabilis mater, cui Deus Pater unicum Filius
suum, quem de corde suo aequalem sibi genitum tamquam seipsum diligit,
ita dare disposuit, ut naturaliter esset unus idemque communis Dei
Patris et Virginis Filius, et quam ipse Filius, Filius substantialiter
facere sibi matrem elegit, et de qua Siritus Sanctus voluit et operatus
est, ut conciperetur et nasceretur ille, de quo ipse procedit.
2. Cf. Ibid., n. 16.
3. Cf. St. Irenaeus, Adv. Haereses, book III, c. III, n. 2.
4. C.A. Cum Praeexcelsa, February 28, 1476; Denz., n. 734.
5. Decree of the Sared Cong. of Rites; September 30, 1847.
6. This has been the constant care of the Popes, as is
shown by the condemnation of one of the propositions of Anthony de
Rosmini-Serbati (cf. Denzinger, nn. 1891-1930). This is how the 34th
proposition runs (Denzinger, n. 1924): "Ad praeservandam B. V. Mariam a
labe originis, satis erat, ut incorruptum maneret minimum sesmen in
homine, neglectum forte ab ipso demone, e quo incorrupto semine de
generatione in generationem transfuso, suo tempore oriretur Virgo
Maria." Decree of the Holy Office, December 14, 1887 (AAS 20, 393).
Denz. n. 1924.
7. Apost. Const. Sollicitudo Omnium Ecclesiarum, December 8, 1661.
8. Apost. Const. Cum Praeexcelsa, February 28, 1476; Grave Nemis, September 4, 1483; Denz., nn. 734, 735.
9. Apost. Const. Sanctissimus, September 12, 1617.
10. Apost. Const. Sanctissimus, June 4, 1622.
11. Alexander VII, Apost. Const. Sollicitudo Omnium Ecclesiarum, December 8, 1661.
12. Sess. V, Can. 6; Denz. n. 792. Declarat tamen haec
ipsa sancta Synodus, non esse suae intentionis, comprehendere in hoc
decreto, ubi de peccato originali agitur, beatam et immaculatam
Virginem Mariam Dei genitricem, sed observandas esse constitutiones
felicis recordationis Sixti Papae IV, sub poenis in eis
constitutionibus contentis, quas innovat.
13. Gn 3:15.
14. Quo circa sicut Christus Dei hominumque mediator,
humana assumpta natura, delens quod adversus nos erat chirographum
decretia, illud cruci triumphator affixit; sic Sanctissima Virgo,
Arctissimo et indissolubili vinculo cum eo conjuncta, una cum illo et
per illum, sempiternas contra venenosum serpentem inimicitias exercens,
ac de ipso plenissime triumphans, illus caput immaculato pede contrivit.
15. Cf. Gn. 6:9.
16. Cf. Gn 28:12.
17. Cf. Ex 3:2.
18. Cf. Sg 4:4.
19. Cf. Sg 4:12.
20. Cf. Ps 87:1.
21. Cf. Is 6:1-4.
22. Cf. Lk 1:28.
23. Ibid., 42.
24. Cf. St. Augustine: De Natura et Gratia, c. 36.
25. Gn 3:15.
26. Cf. Ex 31:2.
27. Cf. Ibid., n. 19ff.
28. Cf. Ibid., n. 27ff.
29. Declaramus, pronuntiamus et definimus doctrinam
quae tenet beatissimam Virginem Mariam in primo instanti suae
conceptionis fuisse singulari Omnipotentis Dei gratia et privilegio,
intuitu meritorum Christi Jesu Salvatoris humani generis, ab omni
originalis culpae labe praeservatam immunem, esse a Deo revelatam,
atque idcirco ab omnibus fidelibus firmiter constanterque credendam.
Cf. Denz., n. 1641.
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