Mary’s Joys: The Delighted Dimension of Mariology

## Joys of Mary: The Blissful Dimension of Mariology

**Devotion to the** **Joys of Mary** stands in balanced opposition to contemplation of her **Sorrows**. While sorrow binds Mary to Christ’s redemptive suffering, the joys celebrate the moments of jubilation and grace that marked her life.

### The Seven Joys

Tradition, especially Franciscan, identifies seven joys:

1. **Annunciation**: The Angel’s announcement to Mary that she will bear the Son of God.
2. **Visitation**: Mary’s visit to Elizabeth, her cousin, to share in her joy at being chosen as the mother of the Savior.
3. **Birth of Jesus**: The celebration of Christ’s birth, a moment of immense joy for Mary and all who celebrate with her.
4. **Adoration of the Magi**: The adoration of the infant Jesus by the wise men, an expression of universal joy at his coming.
5. **Meeting in the Temple (Recovrement)**: Mary’s encounter with Jesus as a young boy in the temple, where he reveals himself as her Son and she recognizes him as divine.
6. **Resurrection**: The triumph of Christ over death, which brings joy to all who believe.
7. **Assumption**: Mary’s bodily assumption into heaven, a celebration of her complete union with Christ.

Each joy is meditated as participation in Christ’s salvation.

### The Magnificat: A Song of Joy

The *Magnificat* (Luke 1:46-55) is the most perfect expression of Mary’s joys. *”My soul exults in the Lord, for he has done great things to me…”* reveals a Mary overflowing with joy at God’s actions within her. The *Magnificat* serves as a pedagogy of Christian joy.

### Franciscan Spirituality

Devotion to the Joys of Mary flourished in Franciscan tradition. St. Francis of Assisi prayed a crown of seven **Padre Nossos** in memory of the seven joys of Mary. This devotion gave rise to the **Franciscan Crown** (Crown of Seven Joys), still prayed in Franciscan convents.

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**Magisterial Teachings:**

> *”Exsulat in gaudio Maria, quia magna fecit ei Omnipotens, et sanctum nomen eius.”* (Luke 1:49 – Vulgata Clementina)

**Translation:** Let Mary exult in joy, for the Almighty has done great things for her, and her holy name.

> *”Magnificat anima mea Dominum, et exsultavit spiritus meus in Deo salutari meo.”* (Luke 1:46-47 – Vulgata Clementina, Canticle of Mary)

**Translation:** My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God, my Savior.