Posted on 09/10/2007 6:18:13 AM PDT by stfassisi
Padre Pio and the Mother Co-redemptrix By Fr. Stefano Maria Manelli, F.I. Saturday, 08 September 2007 It has been written, and rightly so, that "if there is an aspect of the mystery of Mary especially fitting to the life and work of Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, it is certainly the coredemptive aspect of the person and mission of the Immaculate in God’s salvific plan of love" (1).
The mystery of Mary Coredemptrix is present in the life and writings of St. Pio of Pietrelcina at the highest levels of mystical experience which he lived out in body and soul, and of the theologia cordis transmitted by him to his spiritual children in the language of that wisdom transcending by far a language limited to the solely notional and conceptual (2).
St. Pio of Pietrelcina in the first place lived the mystery of Marian Coredemption in his exceptional mystical experience of the Passion of Christ Crucified, of which he bore the living and bleeding stigmata in his body for fifty entire years, from 1918 to 1968. He became an "imprinted reproduction of the wounds of the Lord," according to the happy expression of Pope Paul VI (3). In this exceptional mystical experience he co-immolated himself with Christ, assimilating himself in a most extensive and profound manner to the Mother Coredemptrix who immolates herself with the Son on the Cross in order to bring to pass the universal Redemption (4). It has been written that, "Padre Pio penetrated the sorrows of Mary and participated in them, mirrored them, relived them; as his soul had been a partaker in the sorrows of the Passion, so too he had the gift of participating in the sorrows of Mary" (5).
Into this area of mystical experience, however, the inexperienced are not allowed to enter nor are they in a position to speak of it. St. Bonaventure, the "Seraphic Doctor," teaches expressly that, with regard to the mystical, "those who are not experts and who do not wish to become experienced, must absolutely keep silent" (6).
What is more within the range of our intelligence, then, is the coredemptive aspect of St. Pio of Pietrelcina’s active ministry. He exercised the ministry of the confessional for more than fifty years, administering the Sacrament of Reconciliation to such a vast family of penitents that Pope Paul VI called it, in yet another happy expression, a "worldwide clientele" (7). But to administer the Sacrament of forgiveness and of reconciliation between mankind and God means to operate on the same wavelength, so to speak, as Marian Coredemption. In fact, Mary Most Holy, being united with the Redeemer—"under Him and with Him," as Vatican II teaches (LG 56)—reconciled humanity with God through the sacrificial offering consummated on Calvary; and after Calvary she continues unceasingly to reconcile man to God with her Mediation and Distribution of all the graces of Redemption. Consequently, she is proclaimed the Mother of universal reconciliation.
The spiritual director of St. Pio of Pietrelcina, Fr. Benedict of San Marco, once told St. Pio in a letter of spiritual direction that his particular vocation was a "vocation to coredeem" by means of the daily trials, battles, sufferings, and toils coming from the exercise of his ministry. And in reference particularly to his work as a confessor, it has been accurately observed that "in the ministry of reconciliation, Padre Pio prolonged or, in a certain sense, actualized the fruitfulness of grace of Marian Coredemption which 'restores the supernatural life in souls' (LG 61). In fact, the divine grace acquired by the Redeemer and the Coredemptrix in the 'effecting' of the Redemption is here distributed and applied to every soul in need by means of the sacramental absolution given by Padre Pio to his penitents" (8).
To understand St. Pio’s "vocation to coredeem" better, one must also consult his writings, of primary value where he speaks of the Coredemptrix in the salvific mystery. And one recognizes immediately that his discourse is not theoretical or notional, but reflects instead the most profound and moving characteristics of the theologia cordis, of theology lived at the level of ascetical and mystical experience , one which gives a knowledge of the mystery characteristically sapiential and experiential, as St. Bonaventure explains (9).
The pages in which St. Pio speaks of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s sorrows are exceedingly numerous (10). In these pages the figure of Our Lady of Sorrows is present in her immense coredemptive suffering, and she is seen walking along the way to Calvary "immediately behind Jesus... burdened with her own cross" (11). A cross for Jesus, a cross for Mary. It is of value here to recall the insight of Arnold of Chartres who speaks of a double altar on Calvary: "one in the Heart of Mary, the other in the Body of Christ. Christ sacrificed His flesh, Mary her soul" (12). And St. Pio recommends to all "to keep always right behind this Blessed Mother, to walk always close to her, since there is no other road which leads to life, except the one trod by our Mother" (13).
When St. Pio wants to describe the sufferings of Our Lady of Sorrows, he finds a very valid point of reference in his very own suffering, be it moral or physical, a suffering so terrible as to dry up every tear and to petrify him in sorrow (14). For this reason in contemplating Our Lady’s sorrows he can expand his soul and say: "Yes, now I understand, oh Jesus, why in admiring You Your Mother did not weep beneath the Cross" (15), because "by the excess of sorrow, she remained petrified before her crucified Son" (16); and on another page of sublime contemplation touching his own measureless sorrows and those of Our Lady, he exclaims movingly: "Now I seem to be penetrating what was the martyrdom of our most beloved Mother (...). Oh, if all people would but penetrate this martyrdom! Who could succeed in suffering with this, yes, our dear Coredemptrix? Who would refuse her the good title of Queen of Martyrs?" (17)
The words "dear Coredemptrix" express most exactly soteriological value of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s maternal mission in the tones of a pure theologia cordis. She coredeemed humanity by offering the divine Victim, her Son Jesus, in the bloody immolation of the Cross, and co-immolating herself with Him in order to "restore supernatural life to souls" (LG 61), became in this way our "Mother in the order of grace" (LG 1.c.) (18). She "gave birth to us in sorrows," affirms St. Pio. She is, therefore, the Mother Coredemptrix. She desires to raise her children and, what is more, to make them grow even unto the stature of Christ. She is, therefore, the Mother Mediatrix and Dispensatrix of all graces (19), always "associated with Jesus in applying the fruits of the Redemption to souls," as Fr. Melchior da Pobladura writes (20). The Coredemptrix reacquired the grace lost. The Mediatrix distributes the grace reacquired. There is an operative continuity between the Coredemption and Distribution of saving grace. And, according to the teaching of St. Pio of Pietrelcina, we should be eternally grateful to "our dear Coredemptrix" and to our "Mediatrix and Dispensatrix of all graces."
Fr. Stefano Maria Manelli, F.I., is Founder and Minister General of the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate. He is internationally known for his distinguished preaching and biblical, Mariological scholarship. His Biblical Mariology has recently appeared in English under the title: All Generations Shall Call Me Blessed.
Notes
(1) N. Castello, S.M. Manelli, La "dolce Signora" di Padre Pio, Cinisello Balsamo, IT 1999, p.119.
(2) On this theme cf. the more far ranging and elaborate study: S.M. Manelli, Maria SS.ma Corredentrice nella vita e negli scritti di Padre Pio da Pietrelcina, in AA.VV., Maria Corredentrice, Frigento, IT 1999, vol. II, pp.277-294; see also: N. Castello, S.M. Manelli, La "dolce Signora" di Padre Pio, edition cited, pp.119-128.
(3) Paolo VI, Discorso, Feb. 20, 1971.
(4) It has been written, with good reason, that in the life and writings of St. Pio "the transparent, close and indissoluble union of Mary Coredemptrix and Mediatrix of all graces with Jesus the one Mediator between God and men is (found) everywhere" Melchiorre da Pobladura, Alla scuola spirituale di Padre Pio da Pietrelcina, San Giovanni Rotondo, IT 1978, p.93.
(5) A. Negrisolo, N. Castello, S.M. Manelli, Padre Pio nella sua interiorità, Rome, IT 1997, p. 58. Of considerable importance and interest would be a comparative study of the mystical experience and coredemptive thought of St. Pio and St. Veronica Giuliani (cf. Sr. Maria Francesca Perillo, Il mistero di Maria Corredentrice in santa Veronica Giuliani, in AA.VV., Maria Corredentrice, Frigento, IT 1999, vol. II, pp.169-217).
(6) St. Bonaventure, Apologia Pauperum, c.9, n.27; VII, 303.
(7) Discorso, Feb. 20, 1971.
(8) N. Castello, S.M. Manelli, work cited, pp.127-128. It should also be noted that St. Pio frequently recalled Our Lady of Sorrows to his penitents in giving them the sacramental penance of reciting seven Hail Mary’s to Our Lady of Sorrows, "and sometimes he could not succeed in finishing the word Addolorata (Our Lady of Sorrows) without an outburst of tears!" (ibid. p. 123).
(9) Cf. St. Bonaventure, Questio disputata de perfectione evangelica, Q.1, conclusion.
(10) Cf., for example, the first volume of the Epistolario, San Giovanni Rotondo, IT 1992, pp.213, 345, 384, 601, 639, 993 (here cited as: Ep.).
(11) Ep. I, p.597.
(12) Arnold of Chartres, De septem verbis Domini in cruce, 3, PL 189, 1694. This is a text quoted by Pope John Paul II in a catechesis on the Marian Coredemption on Oct. 25, 1995.
(13) Ep. I, p.602.
(14) So he writes, for example, in a letter: "Oh God, what torture I feel... Would that I could at least have the satisfaction of pouring out this interior martyrdom with tears. The sorrow is immense and has overwhelmed me." (ibid. 993).
(15) Ibid.
(16) Ep. III, p. 190.
(17) Ibid., p.384.
(18) The following is well stated: "As to the words 'dear Coredemptrix' it is important to verify how for Padre Pio of Pietrelcina the term Coredemptrix serves also to efficaciously explain the truth of the compassion and transfixion of Mary Most Holy in the universal work of Redemption. Here mystical theology, too, supports the usage of the term Coredemptrix, already common in Mariology and in the Church for centuries, used even by the Sovereign Pontiffs, and particularly by Pope John Paul II" (N. Castello, S.M. Manelli, work cited, pp.126-127).
(19) St. Pio himself wrote these expressions on a little memorial image for his fiftieth anniversary as a priest, calling Our Lady precisely the "most sweet Mother (mamma) of priests, Mediatrix and Dispensatrix of all graces" (reported by Ferdinando da Riese, P. Pio da Pietrelcina crocifisso senza croce, Foggia, IT 1991, p.428).
(20) Melchiorre da Pobladura, op. cit., p.96
I don't believe that I ever "fight" about it but when the caucus flag is set then the likes of me are not welcome.
I love your posts!!!!!!
I’m starting a MadDawg fan club. I am sort of like a stalker of yours, I do follow threads you post on and read them and either learn or laugh. Which is great because right now my son is trying to prove that he can fit his entire body under my rib cage while his sister fights for what is remaining of my lap. This whole motherhood thing, it ain’t for wimps.
Anyway, I love Caucus threads, because I can focus on the material and not the silly, repetitive arguments.
This is a very good article that explains this clearly
http://www.voxpopuli.org/response_to_7_common_objections_part1.php
Excerpt
“The term “co-redemptrix” is properly translated “the woman with the redeemer” or more literally “she who buys back with [the redeemer].” The prefix “co” comes from the Latin term “cum” which means “with” and not “equal to.” Co-redemptrix therefore as applied to Mary refers to her exceptional cooperation with and under her divine son Jesus Christ, in the redemption of the human family, as manifested in Christian Scripture.
With Mary’s free and active “fiat” to the invitation of the angel Gabriel to become the mother of Jesus, “Be it done unto me according to your word” (Lk. 1:38), she uniquely cooperated with the work of redemption by giving the divine Redeemer his body, which was the very instrument of human redemption. “We have been sanctified by the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” (Heb. 10:10), and the body of Jesus Christ is given to him through the free, active, and unique cooperation of the Virgin Mary. By virtue of giving flesh to the “Word made flesh” (Jn. 1:14), who in turn redeems humanity, the Virgin of Nazareth uniquely merits the title Co-redemptrix. In the words of the late Mother Teresa of Calcutta, “Of course Mary is the Co-redemptrix - she gave Jesus his body, and his body is what saved us.”
We see this also through the writings from the Early Church Fathers right up til Pope John Paul and Pope Benedict XVI
Some writings
“The Virgin received Salvation so that she may give it back to the centuries.” Peter Chrysologus, Sermon 140 (ante A.D. 450).
“Cease your laments; I will make myself your advocate in my Son’s presence. Meanwhile, no more sadness, because I have brought joy to the world. For it is to destroy the kingdom of sorrow that I have come into the world: I full of grace ... Then curb your tears; accept me as your mediatrix in the presence of him who was born from me, because the author of joy is the God generated before all ages. Remain calm; be troubled no longer: I come from him, full of grace.” Romanos the Singer, On Christmas 2,10-11 (ante A.D. 560).
O, how marvelous it is! She acts as a mediatrix between the loftiness of God and the lowliness of the flesh, and becomes Mother of the Creator.” Andrew of Crete, Homily 1 on Mary’s Nativity (ante A.D. 740).
“And who, after your Jesus, is as tenderly solicitous for our welfare as you [Mary] are? Who defends us in the temptations with which we are afflicted as you defend us? Who, like you, undertakes to protect sinners, fighting, as it were, on their behalf’?”-St. Germanus of Constantinople
“...trusting in her intercession with Christ our Lord, who though sole Mediator between God and man, wished however to make His Mother advocate for sinners and the dispenser and mediatrix of grace....”-Pope Pius XI
“Having suffered for the Church, Mary deserved to become the mother of all her Son’s disciples, the mother of their unity.. ..The Church recognizes in her a mother who keeps watch over its development and does not cease to intercede with her Son to obtain for Christians more profound dispositions of faith, of hope, of love. Mary seeks to promote the greatest possible unity of Christians, because a mother strives to ensure accord among her children. There is no more ecumenical heart greater or more ardent than Mary’s heart. It is to this perfect mother that the Church has recourse in all its difficulties.” -Pope John Paul ll
See my post 18, I’m sorry, it was all my fault.
I bookmarked the site before it was deleted.
Dear Friend,don't worry about it,there was is no harm done by your post.
Understanding our Blessed Mother's role in Salvation history seems to scare some people. This is very sad because they miss out on the fullness of Christianity.
I wish you a Blessed Evening!
Man, you guys should have seen the old days before the Religion Mod!
What was funny was that a few of the most heated flame throwers actually liked each other somewhat (one was Catholic, the other Reformed). But both crossed the line to many times.
**Man, you guys should have seen the old days before the Religion Mod!**
Patriotic 1 and I were just discussing this about the (leftist) post about the Pope on the news forum.
The Early Church Fathers on the Immaculate Conception - Catholic/Orthodox Caucus
Dungeon Master, a man of great virtue, piety, and motorcyle, finds in the sayings of Our Lord about "Who are my brothers...?" and "yeah rather, blessed are those that hear ..." a kind of pre-emptive stifling of Marian piety. TO me that seems akin to typological reading, but to him it seems as plain as a pikestaff. I read the Lord overshadowing the ark and I see a 'type' of Our Lady. But when I say so, some slap their foreheads and appeal with lifted hands to heaven against such readings INTO the text, as they see it.
So the apologetic problem seems very great, either way.
Sorry, I can’t respond on this thread.
Sure you can. At least as I read the guidelines the option of responding like a guest in someone else's house is open to anyone. Caucus status does not, as I understand it, preclude visitors. It precludes combativeness.
I'm open to correction on this.
I absolutely LOVE typology!!!! But as you suggest, we tend to see different types in the same(ish) bible. One of my very favorites is how Joseph, in Genesis is such an amazing type of Christ.
Massive ponderous 10-4! It’s the kind of thing that could make a fellow believe in God! But let’s not go overboard here ....
Two quotes that I'm sure that you or most protestants have never read.
"It is a sweet and pious belief that the infusion of Mary’s soul was effected without original sin; so that in the very infusion of her soul she was also purified from original sin and adorned with God’s gifts, receiving a pure soul infused by God; thus from the first moment she began to live she was free from all sin" (Martin Luther, Sermon: "On the Day of the Conception of the Mother of God," 1527).
"She is full of grace, proclaimed to be entirely without sin—something exceedingly great. For God’s grace fills her with everything good and makes her devoid of all evil." (Martin Luther, Personal {"Little"} Prayer Book, 1522).
This is a Caucus thread. If I understand correctly, there is no mugging, either inbound OR outbound. A post like this could cost us Caucus status. If we are going to entertain visitors and expect them to act like guests, we must act like hosts, not pugilists.<p/Self-righteous rant off.
I requested Bible references, thank you
odd, my original comments were not combative, only differing, yet they were deleted by the mod who considered them unsuitable for a caucus thread
That said, I will now abandon this thread and leave you folks to discuss your topic
Here's what I think - if you'll pardon the over-statement:
(See? Note the corny humor and self-deprecation. These are the verbal equivalents of hunched shoulders and lowered head -- submission signals. I once got out of a traffic ticket by adopting a submission posture like that. Instead of the ticket I got a warm fatherly lecture. hee hee hee!)
There are all sorts of phrases and (in real time, face to face interactions) gestures one can use to reduce the tension some kinds of questions seem naturally to provoke. Religion touches us at the deepest places, which accounts for the bloody fights on the religion Forum. When somebody "goes after" our thought about Our Lady, he's talking about a woman I love and have deep affection for. It's close to asking me to consider a challenge to my wife's integrity.
Consequently a rich, frequent, redundant, over and over again, repeated use of such mollifying phrases is better than a simple question, simply put w/o introduction. A positive statement and demonstration that "we come in peace," can work, while assuming that people KNOW your intentions are non-combative doesn't work.
As you know, my reaction to your original post was that it was a challenge, rather than a question, and my response was to suggest recasting it.
And, as I recall, (possibly incorrectly) the question was about the Immaculate Conception. Since the article is about the "co-redemptrix" issue, the redirection of focus may also elicit a kind of "startle" or "flight-or-fight" response.
After all, the whole co-redemptrix thing is controversial enough whatever Our Lady's sinful/sinlessness might or might not be.
Does that make any sense at all? Short answer: your intentions may have been peaceful, I'm quite eager to concede that, but the post "sounded" aggressive, which is not necessarily your fault, as such, but over which you have some control
(If I acted as good as I talk, I'd be in heaven already.)
There is this one freeper that when I see his/her name I skip right past the comments. I believe he/her hates the Catholic church.
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