[topcat54]

The word appears nowhere else in the Bible. The Archangel did indeed give Mary a unique greeting for a unique person - the one who consented and was prepared to be the mother of God incarnate.

Even admitting that the greeting was unique to Mary, it does not further require the leap to this grace being totally and completely coextensive with Mary's existence from womb to tomb.

The word does not mean nor imply sinlessness which is the typical RC analysis of the text. Nor does it imply that Mary was made perfect because of the grace of God bestowed on her. Such ideas come from one's theology, not from the text itself.

[Campion]

The word does not mean nor imply sinlessness which is the typical RC analysis of the text.

No, but it does preclude your idea that Mary was sanctified at the Annunciation.

Nor does it imply that Mary was made perfect because of the grace of God bestowed on her.

If Mary was made perfect, there is no other way it could have happened but by the grace of God. Agree?

[AnAmericanMother]

It does (through the verb form) state that the "graced" state of Mary preexisted the angel's visit. And that the "graced" state is complete and perfect. Caritas is the greatest of God's gifts, as John states.

You'll note, though, that it is God's work and not Mary's - "Lo from henceforth all generations shall call me 'blessed', for He that is mighty hath magnified me."

I'm sorry that it worries you so much. We give honor to presidents (well, some of them anyway), kings, and lords . . . surely greater honor is due God's mother!

And while I'm certain that some Catholics may fall into the error of "Mariolatry" from time to time, nobody is suggesting that ALL Catholics EVERYWHERE are ALWAYS perfect in their religious practices. Nothing in the Catechism nor Church doctrine attributes to Mary the right to worship in the divine sense. Honor, yes, devotion, yes. But not worship.