This is a collection of some notable quotes from Catholic Theologians and Saints as well as from some notable Protestant Theologians and Preachers. Some quotes on Mary from the Sacred Scriptures are also included. This is to demonstrate how some of the Roman Catholic beliefs and sayings on the Blessed Virgin Mary is held by some influential non-Catholics Theologians and also grounded in the Word of God.
Quotes by Mary herself from Scriptures:
And Mary said: Behold the handmaid of the Lord: be it done to me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her. (Luke 1:38 DRB)
And Mary said: My soul doth magnify the Lord. And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. Because he hath regarded the humility of his handmaid: for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. Because he that is mighty hath done great things to me: and holy is his name. And his mercy is from generation unto generations, to them that fear him. He hath shewed might in his arm: he hath scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart. He hath put down the mighty from their seat and hath exalted the humble. He hath filled the hungry with good things: and the rich he hath sent empty away. He hath received Israel his servant, being mindful of his mercy. As he spoke to our fathers: to Abraham and to his seed for ever. (Luke 1:46-55 DRB)
And the third day, there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee: and the mother of Jesus was there. And Jesus also was invited, and his disciples, to the marriage. And the wine failing, the mother of Jesus saith to him: They have no wine. And Jesus saith to her: Woman, what is that to me and to thee? My hour is not yet come. His mother saith to the waiters: Whatsoever he shall say to you, do ye. (John 2:1-5 DRB)
Quotes on Mary from Scriptures:
And in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God into a city of Galilee, called Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David: and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel being come in, said unto her: Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. (Luke 1:26-28 DRB)
And the angel said to her: Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found grace with God. (Luke 1:30 DRB)
Now the generation of Christ was in this wise. When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child, of the Holy Ghost. Whereupon Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing publicly to expose her, was minded to put her away privately. But while he thought on these things, behold the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in his sleep, saying: Joseph, son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife, for that which is conceived in her, is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son: and thou shalt call his name Jesus. For he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done that it might be fulfilled which the Lord spoke by the prophet, saying: Behold a virgin shall be with child, and bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. (Matthew 1:18-23 DRB)
And it came to pass that when Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the infant leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost. And she cried out with a loud voice and said: Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed art thou that hast believed, because those things shall be accomplished that were spoken to thee by the Lord. (Luke 1:41-45 DRB)
And they came with haste: and they found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. And seeing, they understood of the word that had been spoken to them concerning this child. And all that heard wondered: and at those things that were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these words, pondering them in her heart. (Luke 2:16-19 DRB)
Now there stood by the cross of Jesus, his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalen. When Jesus therefore had seen his mother and the disciple standing whom he loved, he saith to his mother: Woman, behold thy son. After that, he saith to the disciple: Behold thy mother. And from that hour, the disciple took her to his own. (John 19:25-27 DRB)
And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode Peter and John, James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James of Alpheus and Simon Zelotes and Jude the brother of James. All these were persevering with one mind in prayer with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. (Acts 1:13-14 DRB)
And a great sign appeared in heaven: A woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. And being with child, she cried travailing in birth: and was in pain to be delivered. (Revelation 12:1-2 DRB)
Quotes on Mary from Catholic Theologians and Saints:
From Mary we learn to surrender to God’s Will in all things. From Mary we learn to trust even when all hope seems gone. From Mary we learn to love Christ her Son and the Son of God! ~Blessed Pope John Paul II
Never be afraid of loving the Blessed Virgin too much. You can never love her more than Jesus did and If anyone does not wish to have Mary Immaculate for his mother, he will not have Christ for his brother. ~St. Maximilian Kolbe
Such is the will of God that we should have everything through Mary. ~St. Alphonsus Liguori
Mary is the lily in God’s garden. ~Saint Bridget of Sweden
No man is delivered or preserved from the world-wide snares of Satan save through Mary; and God grants His graces to no one except through her alone. ~Saint Germanus
Let, then, the life of Mary be as it were virginity itself, set forth in a likeness, from which, as from a mirror, the appearance of chastity and the form of virtue is reflected. From this you may take your pattern of life, showing, as an example, the clear rules of virtue: what you have to correct, to effect, and to hold fast. The first thing which kindles ardour in learning is the greatness of the teacher. What is greater than the Mother of God? ~Saint Ambrose
But the power of Mary over all the devils will especially shine forth in the latter times, when Satan will lay his snares against her heel: that is to say, her humble slaves and her poor children, whom she will raise up to make war against him. They shall be little and poor in the world’s esteem, and abased before all like the heel, trodden underfoot and persecuted as the heel is by the other members of the body. But in return for this they shall be rich in the grace of God, which Mary shall distribute to them abundantly. They shall be great and exalted before God in sanctity, superior to all other creatures by their lively zeal, and so well sustained with God’s assistance that, with the humility of their heel, in union with Mary, they shall crush the head of the devil and cause Jesus Christ to triumph. ~Saint Louis de Montfort (True Devotion to Mary)
Jesus is the mediator of justice; Mary obtains for us grace; for, as St. Bernard, St. Bonaventure, St. Bernardine of Siena, St. Germanus, St. Antoninus, and others say, it is the will of God to dispense through the hands of Mary whatever graces he is pleased to bestow upon us. With God, the prayers of the saints are the prayers of His friends, but the prayers of Mary are the prayers of His mother. ~Saint Alphonsus Liguori
Mary was raised to the dignity of Mother of God rather for sinners than for the just, since Jesus Christ declares that he came to call not the just, but sinners. ~St. Anselm
Quotes on Mary from Protestant Theologians/Preachers:
Even when Jesus was dying on the cross he was thinking about his mother! ~Billy Graham (“Hour of Decision” radio broadcast Dec. 2006 CHRI Radio)
St. Paul says ‘God sent his Son born of a woman, These words which I hold for true, really sustain quite firmly that Mary is the Mother of God. ~Martin Luther (Martin Luther’s Works, vol 7, page 592)
A new lie about me is being circulated. I am supposed to have preached and written that Mary, the mother of God, was not a virgin either before or after the birth of Christ, but that she conceived Christ through Joseph, and had more children after that. ~Martin Luther (That Jesus Christ Was Born a Jew, 1523, LW, Vol. 45, page199)
Helvidius displayed excessive ignorance in concluding that Mary must have had many sons, because Christ’s ‘brothers’ are sometimes mentioned. ~John Calvin {Harmony of Matthew, Mark & Luke, sec. 39 (Geneva, 1562), vol. 2 / From Calvin’s Commentaries, tr. William Pringle, Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1949, page 215; on Matthew 13:55}
‘In Mary everything is extraordinary and all the more glorious as it has sprung from pure faith and burning love of God.’ She is ‘the most unique and the noblest member’ of the Christian community . . . ~Heinrich Bullinger {In Hilda Graef, Mary: A history of Doctrine and Devotion, combined ed. of vols. 1 & 2, London: Sheed & Ward, 1965, vol.2, pages.14-5}
The Blessed Virgin Mary, who, as well after as when she brought him forth, continued a pure and unspotted virgin. ~John Wesley {“Letter to a Roman Catholic” / In This Rock, Nov. 1990, page 25}
The veneration of the Blessed Virgin Mary holds a special place in the Catholic faith. Throughout history, Catholic theologians and saints have shared profound insights about Mary’s role in the life of believers. These quotes not only highlight the significance of Mary but also offer valuable lessons for all Christians.
Blessed Pope John Paul II: Learning from Mary’s Example
“From Mary, we learn to surrender to God’s Will in all things. From Mary, we learn to trust even when all hope seems gone. From Mary, we learn to love Christ her Son and the Son of God!” – Blessed Pope John Paul II
Blessed Pope John Paul II reminds us that Mary’s life serves as an extraordinary example of surrender, trust, and love for God. Her unwavering faith and obedience to God’s will inspire us to follow her lead in embracing God’s plan for our lives, even in times of uncertainty.
St. Maximilian Kolbe: The Love for the Blessed Virgin
“Never be afraid of loving the Blessed Virgin too much. You can never love her more than Jesus did, and If anyone does not wish to have Mary Immaculate for his mother, he will not have Christ for his brother.” – St. Maximilian Kolbe
St. Maximilian Kolbe’s quote beautifully emphasizes the profound relationship between Mary and Jesus. It encourages us to love and honor the Blessed Virgin Mary, recognizing that such devotion strengthens our bond with Christ. Mary’s maternal role extends to all believers, drawing us closer to her Son.
St. Alphonsus Liguori: Mary’s Role in God’s Plan
“Such is the will of God that we should have everything through Mary.” – St. Alphonsus Liguori
St. Alphonsus Liguori’s quote underscores Mary’s unique role as a mediator of grace in God’s divine plan. It reminds us that God chooses to bestow His blessings and graces through Mary. This insight encourages us to turn to Mary as a source of divine assistance and intercession in our lives.
Saint Bridget of Sweden: Mary, the Lily in God’s Garden
“Mary is the lily in God’s garden.” – Saint Bridget of Sweden
Saint Bridget of Sweden’s quote beautifully depicts Mary as a symbol of purity and beauty in the eyes of God. The imagery of a lily reflects Mary’s immaculate nature and her close connection to the Divine. It inspires us to strive for purity and holiness in our own lives.
Saint Germanus: The Role of Mary in Spiritual Protection
“No man is delivered or preserved from the world-wide snares of Satan save through Mary; and God grants His graces to no one except through her alone.” – Saint Germanus
Saint Germanus highlights Mary’s role as our protector against the snares of Satan. This quote emphasizes that God’s graces flow through Mary, underscoring the importance of her intercession in our spiritual battles. It encourages us to seek Mary’s assistance in times of spiritual need.
Saint Ambrose: Mary as the Great Teacher
“Let, then, the life of Mary be as it were virginity itself, set forth in a likeness, from which, as from a mirror, the appearance of chastity and the form of virtue is reflected.” – Saint Ambrose
Saint Ambrose’s quote presents Mary as a model of virtue and chastity. It invites us to study her life and character as a means of understanding and practicing virtue in our own lives. Mary’s example serves as a mirror reflecting the beauty of holiness.
Saint Louis de Montfort: Mary’s Triumph over Evil
“But the power of Mary over all the devils will especially shine forth in the latter times, when Satan will lay his snares against her heel: that is to say, her humble slaves and her poor children, whom she will raise up to make war against him.” – Saint Louis de Montfort (True Devotion to Mary)
Saint Louis de Montfort’s quote envisions Mary’s role in the spiritual battle against evil. It suggests that Mary will empower her humble followers to confront and defeat the forces of darkness. This quote inspires us to be courageous and faithful servants of Mary in the fight against evil.
Saint Alphonsus Liguori: Mary as the Dispenser of Grace
“Jesus is the mediator of justice; Mary obtains for us grace; for, as St. Bernard, St. Bonaventure, St. Bernardine of Siena, St. Germanus, St. Antoninus, and others say, it is the will of God to dispense through the hands of Mary whatever graces he is pleased to bestow upon us.” – Saint Alphonsus Liguori
Saint Alphonsus Liguori’s quote emphasizes the role of Mary as the dispenser of divine grace. It highlights Mary’s unique position as the channel through which God’s blessings flow to humanity. This insight encourages us to seek Mary’s intercession for God’s grace in our lives.
St. Anselm: Mary, Mother of Sinners
“Mary was raised to the dignity of Mother of God rather for sinners than for the just since Jesus Christ declares that he came to call not the just, but sinners.” – St. Anselm
St. Anselm’s quote underscores the compassionate nature of Mary’s motherhood. It reminds us that Mary’s role as the Mother of God is particularly significant for sinners, as Jesus Himself came to offer salvation to those in need of redemption. This insight inspires hope and encourages repentance.
While the veneration of Mary is more prominent in Catholic theology, some Protestant theologians and preachers have also acknowledged Mary’s importance in Christian faith. These quotes provide a glimpse into the diverse perspectives on Mary within the broader Christian tradition.
Billy Graham: Jesus’ Concern for His Mother
“Even when Jesus was dying on the cross, he was thinking about his mother!” – Billy Graham (“Hour of Decision” radio broadcast, Dec. 2006, CHRI Radio)
Reverend Billy Graham’s quote reflects on the profound moment when Jesus, while suffering on the cross, expressed concern for His mother, Mary. This observation highlights the deep love and care that Jesus had for Mary, reminding us of the special bond between them.
Martin Luther: Mary, the Mother of God
“St. Paul says ‘God sent his Son born of a woman.’ These words which I hold for true, really sustain quite firmly that Mary is the Mother of God.” – Martin Luther (Martin Luther’s Works, vol 7, page 592)
Martin Luther, a key figure in the Protestant Reformation, acknowledged Mary as the Mother of God. His quote underscores the biblical foundation of this belief and aligns with Catholic teaching on Mary’s role in the Incarnation.
Martin Luther: Mary’s Perpetual Virginity
“A new lie about me is being circulated. I am supposed to have preached and written that Mary, the mother of God, was not a virgin either before or after the birth of Christ, but that she conceived Christ through Joseph, and had more children after that.” – Martin Luther (That Jesus Christ Was Born a Jew, 1523, LW, Vol. 45, page199)
While Martin Luther affirmed Mary as the Mother of God, he also addressed misconceptions about his views on her perpetual virginity. This quote clarifies his stance on the topic and emphasizes the belief in Mary’s perpetual virginity.
John Calvin: Refuting Misconceptions About Mary
“Helvidius displayed excessive ignorance in concluding that Mary must have had many sons because Christ’s ‘brothers’ are sometimes mentioned.” – John Calvin (Harmony of Matthew, Mark & Luke, sec. 39, Geneva, 1562, vol. 2)
John Calvin’s quote rebuts the idea that Mary had many sons based on the mention of Christ’s ‘brothers’ in the Bible. It reflects a Protestant perspective that supports the perpetual virginity of Mary, despite differences in Marian theology.
Heinrich Bullinger: Acknowledging Mary’s Uniqueness
“‘In Mary everything is extraordinary and all the more glorious as it has sprung from pure faith and burning love of God.’ She is ‘the most unique and the noblest member’ of the Christian community . . .” – Heinrich Bullinger (In Hilda Graef, Mary: A history of Doctrine and Devotion, combined ed. of vols. 1 & 2, London: Sheed & Ward, 1965, vol.2, pages.14-5)
Heinrich Bullinger’s quote recognizes the exceptional nature of Mary’s faith and love for God. It underscores her unique and elevated position within the Christian community, emphasizing her significance in the history of doctrine and devotion.
John Wesley: Mary’s Perpetual Virginity
“The Blessed Virgin Mary, who, as well after as when she brought him forth, continued a pure and unspotted virgin.” – John Wesley (“Letter to a Roman Catholic” / In This Rock, Nov. 1990, page 25)
John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, affirmed the belief in Mary’s perpetual virginity. His quote aligns with the Catholic and Orthodox traditions, which emphasize Mary’s lifelong virginity before and after giving birth to Jesus.
In conclusion, these quotes on Mary from Catholic theologians, saints, and Protestant theologians and preachers offer a diverse range of perspectives on the Blessed Virgin’s role in Christianity. Whether emphasizing her virtues, her unique relationship with Jesus, or her significance in God’s plan of salvation, these quotes underscore the enduring fascination and devotion that Mary continues to inspire among believers from various Christian traditions. While theological interpretations may differ, the reverence for Mary remains a unifying element in the broader Christian faith.