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.