The faith of Mary, the path of the faithful woman

The faith of Mary is one of the themes most contemplated by contemporary Marian theology. Elizabeth proclaimed Mary “blessed for having believed” (Lk 1:45), and this title contains her whole spirituality. For the full article, see: The Faith of Mary, from the Annunciation to Calvary.

Faith as obedience

Mary’s faith is, above all, a response of obedience: she believed before understanding, she trusted before seeing. The Fiat of the Annunciation was uttered in darkness. Mary did not know what would follow. This faith without sight is the Pauline model of all Christian faith: “to walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor 5:7).

The night of faith

John Paul II, in Redemptoris Mater (1987), described Mary’s faith as a night of faith: moments of incomprehension, of God’s silence, of suffering with no apparent answer. At Calvary, when everything seemed finished, Mary remained. This fidelity in darkness is what makes her a model for all who pass through spiritual crises.

First in the order of faith

The Second Vatican Council (LG 63) calls Mary “a preeminent and altogether singular member of the Church”: she is the first of the faithful. Her faith preceded, accompanied, and followed the mission of Jesus. It is the most perfect faith in human history, not because she received special revelations, but because she loved and obeyed with a wholly pure heart.

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Magisterium of the Church

Beata quae credidisti, quoniam perficientur ea quae dicta sunt tibi a Domino.

Luke 1:45 (Vulgate)

📚 Literal translation: Blessed are you who believed, for the things that were spoken to you by the Lord will be fulfilled.

Maria fide Christum concepit priusquam carne conciperet.

S. Augustínus, De Sancta Virginitate III, 3 (PL 40, 398)

📚 Literal translation: Mary conceived Christ by faith before she conceived Him in the flesh.