In this meditation on the Blessed Virgin Mary, the seven privileges through which she dispenses grace are beautifully laid out. From her Immaculate Conception to her Queenship, these honors reveal Mary as our spiritual sister and intercessor, by whose grace we live.
Introduction: Say That Thou Art Our Sister
These, therefore, are the seven privileges of Mary by which we obtain the life of grace. And therefore, we may implore Mary, as Abraham implored Sara:
“Say, I beseech thee, that thou art my sister, that it may be well with me because of thee, and that my soul may live by thy grace” (Gen. XII, 13).
O Mary, our Sara, say that thou art our sister, that because of thee it may be well for us with God, and that our souls may live in God because of thy grace.
1. Mary Is Full of Grace
She was full of grace not only for herself but for us as well. From her fullness, we too have received—grace for grace. She is like a full vessel placed where all may draw from it; her soul, full of grace, overflowed for the benefit of the whole Church.
2. Mary Was Conceived Without Sin
Mary alone was conceived without original sin, preserved from all stain by the singular grace and privilege of God. She is the most pure and holy vessel ever created, the living temple not touched by any corruption.
Through this singular grace, she became a worthy dwelling for the Incarnate Word.
3. Mary Is the Mother of God
Mary was chosen from all eternity to be the Mother of God. She conceived the Word made flesh, bore Him in her womb, nursed Him at her breast, and raised Him under her care. Because she gave us Christ, she gives us grace and life.
4. Mary’s Perpetual Virginity
She remained ever virgin—before, during, and after the birth of Christ. In this, she is a sign of total consecration, of body and soul wholly given to God. Her virginity testifies to her purity, her freedom from all earthly attachment, and her singular devotion to the divine will.
5. Mary’s Assumption into Heaven
Having completed the course of her earthly life, Mary was taken up body and soul into Heaven. She did not see corruption, for she bore Him who is incorrupt. Now glorified, she intercedes for us at the throne of her Son and reigns as Queen of Heaven and Earth.
6. Mary Is Mediatrix of Grace
God has willed that all the gifts of redemption should come to us through Mary. As Christ came to us through her, so too do the graces of salvation. She is the channel through which Divine Mercy flows.
7. Mary’s Queenship
Crowned Queen of Heaven and Earth, Mary reigns with Christ, her Son. She shares in His kingship and exercises a motherly dominion over all creation. Her queenship is not one of tyranny, but of love—watching, guiding, and protecting all her children.
Conclusion: That We May Live
These seven privileges shine like stars in the firmament of Mary’s soul. She is not only the Mother of God, but our spiritual Mother, our intercessor, and—like Sara—our sister.
O Mary, our Sara, say that thou art our sister,
that it may be well with us because of thee,
and that our souls may live by thy grace.
ooo
This article is taken from a chapter in The Mirror of the Blessed Virgin by Saint Bonaventure which is available from TAN Books.
