Prayers

On November 4, 2025, the Dicastery of the Doctrine of Faith (DDF) issued a "Doctrinal Note" called Mater Populi Fidelis (MPF) . This is not an encyclical, but rather an instructional statement written by Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, Prefect of the DDF and ultimately approved by his Holiness, Pope Leo XIV.  Most well-catechized Catholics do not put Mother Mary ahead of Jesus, as the redeemer of the world.  However, this document appears to assume that there is confusion.  Catholics that I know are not confused about this.  The words in question are "Co-redemptrix" and "Mediatrix".  Firstly, "Co-" does not mean equal, but rather means "with".   Not confusing.   

If you are already consecrated to our BVM, should you be worried?  Is this yet another attack by Satan against Our Blessed Mother, Mary?  If there have been no recent debates on this subject, why now?  What is the goal here...clarification or more confusion?  How are Marian devotions or even Catholic Religious Orders or even RCIA (OCIO) classes supposed to understand this?  On the surface, this "Note" appears to undermine all previous understanding of the doctrinal use of such Marian terminology and Mary's role in redemption theology.  The DDF appears to be attempting to down-play "established doctrine" regarding the names of Our Blessed Mother, Mary as "Co-Redemptrix" or "Mediatrix of All Graces".  

Please join us in praying the prayer In Reparation for Insults offered to the BVM (#329 Raccolta) 

(See below for more on the subject: "More on the MPF")

...More on the MPF document note from CDL Fernandez:  

Item #16 in the MPF discusses the various names of Mary: Titles Referring to Mary’s Cooperation in Salvation

16. Among the titles used to invoke Mary (“Mother of Mercy,” “Hope of the Poor,” “Help of Christians,” “Our Lady of Perpetual Succour,” “Our Advocate,” etc.), there are some that place greater emphasis on her cooperation in the redemptive work of Christ, such as “Co-redemptrix” and “Mediatrix.”

It is particularly concerning that the manner in which Item #22 explains why "it is always inappropriate" that we find a belittling of Mary's role and use of adjective phrases such as "obscuring" and "create confusion and imbalance in the harmony of truths" and "unhelpful".  Sadly, these words and phrases create even more confusion than what they aspire to achieve.  And yes, "Co-redemptrix" does help to extol Mary as the first and foremost collaborator in the work of Redemption and grace, and does NOT eclipse the exclusive role of Jesus Christ. 

22. Given the necessity of explaining Mary’s subordinate role to Christ in the work of Redemption, it is always inappropriate to use the title “Co-redemptrix” to define Mary’s cooperation. This title risks obscuring Christ’s unique salvific mediation and can therefore create confusion and an imbalance in the harmony of the truths of the Christian faith, for “there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). When an expression requires many, repeated explanations to prevent it from straying from a correct meaning, it does not serve the faith of the People of God and becomes unhelpful. In this case, the expression “Co-redemptrix” does not help extol Mary as the first and foremost collaborator in the work of Redemption and grace, for it carries the risk of eclipsing the exclusive role of Jesus Christ — the Son of God made man for our salvation, who was the only one capable of offering the Father a sacrifice of infinite value — which would not be a true honor to his Mother. Indeed, as the “handmaid of the Lord” (Lk 1:38), Mary directs us to Christ and asks us to “do whatever he tells you” (Jn 2:5). 

It has now been over a half century, that the Church has successfully catechized its members in a manner sufficient of Christian understanding.  The onus has been thrust upon individual believers to adequately acquaint themselves to the true teachings of the Deposit of Faith.  The Church has taken little responsibility on this manner except in rare cases of excellent teaching institutions. But this bypasses the parish laity in the pews. The bishops have fallen far short in transferring the "Deposit of Faith" to the faithful laity.  The days of the Baltimore Catechism; the Catechism of Pope Pius X, or even the Catechism of the Council of Trent are left only to the minds and hearts of the seekers of God's Truth. 

To be fair, "Mediatrix of ALL Graces" may be a bit strong, however, another word would have cleared up this issue..."Mediatrix of Grace", as the BVM is "Full of Grace".  There, problem solved.  Why did the DDF not offer a solution to what they consider a problem?   

Anyway, here is an article from Vatican News, giving another take: Doctrinal Note on Marian Titles... appears to be more sympathetic to the MPF. We can be collegial here.