Modernist agenda seeking to emphasise feminine aspect of God at the expense of Our Lady. Facilitates the path to female ordination.

Compassion of Our Lady

The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith advises against calling Mary "Co-Redemptrix." Dutch theologian Hendro Munsterman explains why this is theologically necessary.

In the debate surrounding the Marian title "Co-Redemptrix," Dutch theologian Hendro Munsterman emphasizes the often-forgotten feminine dimension of God. Speaking to the Italian newspaper "La Repubblica" on Wednesday, he explained that some idealized depictions of Mary ultimately stem from the fact that the feminine image of God has been largely suppressed. "God is Father, but the Bible also testifies to a maternal aspect of God," Munsterman said.

In this context, he referred to John Paul I, who said that God is both Father and Mother. “When one is mistaken about what God is, one feels compelled to ascribe divine titles and functions to Mary that are not hers,” says the theologian and journalist, who has published a book entitled “Marie corédemptrice? Débat sur un titre marial controversé” (Mary Co-Redemptrice? Debate on a Controversial Marian Title).

Ecumenical question in focus

On Tuesday, the Vatican Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith published the doctrinal note “Mater populi fidelis.” In it, Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, called for the avoidance of titles such as “Co-Redemptrice” or “Mediatrix of Grace” in Marian devotion and theology. The Second Vatican Council (1962–1965) already had the ecumenical question in mind, Munsterman explained. Now, the text also emphasizes this point: "Since Mary represents a major obstacle in the relationship with Protestants, they wanted to say something profoundly Catholic about Mary without using a theologically ambiguous title," explained Munsterman.

Many titles attributed to Mary are problematic—"even 'Comforter,'" the theologian continued. The New Testament states that the Comforter is the Holy Spirit. However, throughout the history of the Church, many titles of the Holy Spirit have been transferred to Mary. At the same time, the theologian stressed that Mary is not passive; she responds actively. Nevertheless, the initiative for salvation comes from God himself.

Pope John Paul II, for example, used the title "Mary, Co-Redemptrix" seven times. However, he abandoned it after 1991, the theologian explained. Pius XII systematically removed this title from his writings, as did John XXIII. The Second Vatican Council also rejected it, as did Paul VI, Benedict XVI, Pope Francis and the Pontifical Marian Academy.

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