Day 71: Mary’s Virginity (2025)

Summary

The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Episode: Day 71: Mary’s Virginity

Release Date: March 12, 2025
Reading: Paragraphs 495 to 501

---

Introduction

In Day 71 of Ascension’s "The Catechism in a Year" podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into Paragraphs 495 to 501 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, focusing on the profound doctrines surrounding Mary’s divine motherhood, virginity, and perpetual virginity. This episode elucidates the theological foundations and scriptural affirmations that underpin these essential beliefs, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of Mary’s unique role in salvation history.

---

Opening Prayer and Acknowledgements

The episode begins with a heartfelt prayer led by Fr. Mike Schmitz, inviting listeners to seek divine illumination and guidance as they embark on this spiritual journey. The co-host joins in, reinforcing the communal aspect of their study and reflection.

Notable Quote:

"Father God, you continue to light our way... In Jesus' name we pray. Amen." – [03:52]

---

Mary’s Divine Motherhood

Fr. Mike Schmitz initiates the discussion by affirming Mary's role as Theotokos, meaning "Mother of God." This title underscores the belief that Mary bore Jesus Christ, who is both fully divine and fully human, without mixing divine and human natures.

Key Points:

• Mary as Theotokos: Recognizes Mary as the mother of Jesus, the Second Person of the Trinity.
• Scriptural Basis: Elizabeth’s exclamation in the Gospel of Luke acknowledges Mary as the mother of the Lord, highlighting the divine nature of Jesus even in His conception.

Notable Quote:

"The one whom she conceived as man by the Holy Spirit, who truly became her Son according to the flesh, was none other than the Father's Eternal Son." – [05:03]

---

Mary’s Virginity

The podcast delves into the doctrine of Mary’s virgin conception of Jesus, emphasizing its supernatural nature. Fr. Mike Schmitz explains that Mary's virginity is not only physical but also signifies the miraculous intervention of the Holy Spirit, affirming Jesus' divine origin.

Key Points:

• Virgin Conception: Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit, without human seed, affirming His divine nature.
• Historical Affirmation: Early Church Fathers, such as St. Ignatius of Antioch, strongly affirmed the virginal conception, countering any claims of it being mere legend or myth.

Notable Quote:

"Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit without human seed. The Gospel accounts understand the virginal conception of Jesus as a divine work that surpasses all human understanding and possibility." – [05:19]

---

Mary’s Perpetual Virginity

Fr. Mike Schmitz addresses the doctrine of Mary’s perpetual virginity, clarifying that Mary remained a virgin before, during, and after the birth of Jesus. This belief underscores the sanctity and unique role of Mary in the divine plan.

Key Points:

• Perpetual Virginity: Mary’s virginity was not only preserved during Jesus' conception and birth but throughout her entire life.
• Scriptural Interpretation: Passages mentioning Jesus’ "brothers and sisters" are interpreted as referring to close relatives or cousins, not biological siblings, aligning with the doctrine of her perpetual virginity.

Notable Quote:

"Mary remained ever virgin. Thus, the liturgy of the Church celebrates Mary as the ever virgin." – [07:31]

---

Addressing Common Objections

The podcast thoughtfully addresses common objections to these doctrines, particularly the mention of Jesus’ brothers and sisters in the Bible. Fr. Mike Schmitz explains that terms like "Adelphoi" in the original texts can be translated to mean "relatives" rather than literal siblings, thereby maintaining the belief in Mary's perpetual virginity.

Key Points:

• Translation Clarification: "Adelphoi" can signify various familial relationships, not necessarily siblings.
• Historical Consensus: Early Church scholars, including St. Jerome, consistently upheld the interpretation that these references do not imply Mary had other children besides Jesus.

Notable Quote:

"The Church has always understood these passages as not referring to other children of the Virgin Mary... they simply can mean relatives." – [13:53]

---

Mary’s Spiritual Motherhood

Beyond her biological role, Mary holds a spiritual motherhood over all Christians. This extends to all who believe in Jesus, as He entrusted His mother to the faithful, symbolizing a universal maternal relationship.

Key Points:

• Spiritual Motherhood: Mary is regarded as the mother to all believers, embodying maternal care and guidance.
• Entrustment from Jesus: From the cross, Jesus entrusted Mary to His disciples, reinforcing her role as a spiritual mother within the Church.

Notable Quote:

"Jesus entrusted his mother to us. Therefore, Mary is truly... spiritually speaking, she has more than one child because she has everyone whom Jesus Christ has redeemed." – [15:22]

---

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Fr. Mike Schmitz concludes the episode by reflecting on the profound mysteries of Mary's life and her unwavering role in the divine plan. He encourages listeners to embrace these truths with faith, recognizing the sanctity and significance of Mary's perpetual virginity and her enduring motherhood.

Notable Quote:

"And so here in the family of God, here in the church, we get to rejoice and just be so grateful. Thank you, Jesus, for sharing your mom with us." – [15:33]

Fr. Mike signs off with a personal touch, expressing his eagerness to continue this journey of faith exploration with his listeners in upcoming episodes.

---

Key Takeaways

1. Mary as Theotokos: Affirming Mary as the mother of God underscores Jesus' divine and human natures.
2. Virgin Conception: Jesus' conception by the Holy Spirit signifies a miraculous and divine initiation.
3. Perpetual Virginity: Mary’s virginity was preserved throughout her life, emphasizing her unique role.
4. Spiritual Motherhood: Mary serves as a spiritual mother to all believers, nurturing the faithful.
5. Addressing Objections: Scriptural interpretations uphold the doctrines against common misconceptions.

---

Further Engagement

Listeners are encouraged to follow along with the Ascension edition of the Catechism, available through ascensionpress.com, and to subscribe to the podcast for daily updates and notifications. Engaging with the Catechism in a structured manner nurtures a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith, fostering spiritual growth and a stronger connection to God.

---

Prayer and Reflection:

The episode begins and ends with prayers, framing the study within a devotional context. This practice invites listeners to not only intellectually engage with the Catechism but also to seek personal spiritual enrichment and divine guidance.

---

End of Summary

Transcript

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

Hi, my name is Fr. Mike Schmitz, and you're listening to the Catechism in a Year podcast where we.

[Co-host]

Encounter God's plan of sheer goodness for.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

Us, revealed in Scripture and passed down through the tradition of the Catholic faith. The Catechism in a Year is brought to you by ascension. In 365 days, we'll read through the Catechism of the Catholic Church, discovering our identity in God's family as we journey together toward our heavenly home. It is day 71. My goodness, we're reading paragraphs 495 to 501. As always, I am using the Ascension edition of the Catechism, which includes the Foundations of Faith approach, but you can follow along with any recent version of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Also, you can download your Catechism in a Year Reading plan by visiting ascensionpress.com ciy and you can also click Follow or subscribe your podcast app to receive daily updates and daily notifications. As I said, it's day 71 reading paragraphs 495 to 501.

[Co-host]

We are deep now in this section.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

That talks about what the Lord has.

[Co-host]

Done, how the Lord came to us.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

Through the Blessed Virgin Mary. So yesterday we talked about the fact that Jesus was truly born of the Blessed Virgin Mary and that God had called forth Mary. He had a plan for her, a.

[Co-host]

Mission for her, and he gave her everything that she needed to accomplish that.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

Mission, including the fact that she was immaculately conceived, right?

[Co-host]

She was preserved from all stain of.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

Original sin by the merits of her.

[Co-host]

Son's future life, death and resurrection.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

And so that's this key thing we had.

[Co-host]

And then her humble submission, her humble.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

Yes to God, which is what we're called to do.

[Co-host]

Now.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

Today we're going to launch into three other kind of notes. One is Mary's divine motherhood that we've already mentioned this before, but she is the Theotokos, right? She is the Mother of God in a real way. Also, that Mary was a virgin, that Jesus was conceived virginally by the power of the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit overshadowing Mary. So there's no human father in Jesus life, and that conception happened in a miraculous way.

[Co-host]

And thirdly, that Mary remained ever virgin.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

And that's a really key thing.

[Co-host]

So all of those things are very, very important.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

First, the motherhood of Mary, that she's.

[Co-host]

God's mom, the mother of God here.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

In the second person of the Trinity.

[Co-host]

Conceived in her womb by the power.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

Of the Holy Spirit. That conception happened in a virginal way.

[Co-host]

And that Mary remained ever virgin.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

Now, there's going to be some thoughts of, like, wait a second. I understand that the being the person in the womb of Mary is the divine person of the second Person of the Trinity.

[Co-host]

I get it.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

With a human nature and a divine nature. So, yes, you can say that Mary's the mother of God.

[Co-host]

I get it.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

I also get that very clearly says in scripture that the Holy Spirit will overshadow you. Angel Gabriel, Right. Talking to Mary, the power of the Most High will come upon you. Therefore, the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. I get it. There is no human father in part of that conception. I mean, of course, we have Joseph his foster father, but no biological father. I get that, too. Sometimes where people get hung up is on the reality that Mary was ever virgin, right? That she did not enter into the sexual embrace over the course of her life. Now, the reason why people would have an issue about this is because there is an objection that says, well, the.

[Co-host]

Bible sometimes mentions brothers and sisters of Jesus. What do you do about that? Great question, camper.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

We're going to talk about that today. All three of those things. The motherhood of Mary, Mary's virginity, and her being ever virgin. But as we launch into that, let's open with a prayer. Father in heaven, we praise you and give you glory. We thank you so much for bringing us to this day. We thank you for continuing to just illumine our minds and open up the path before us. We know, Lord God, that your word is a lamp into our step and light into our path. We know that your word is in sacred Scripture. And also your word is that second person of the Trinity, the Word, become one of us. We know that our Lord God, you, Lord God, light our way in the midst of darkness, whether that be darkness of not understanding, darkness of confusion, darkness.

[Co-host]

Of difficulty, darkness of suffering and grief.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

Lord God, you continue to light our way. Walk with us today and guide us today. Be the lamp unto our feet today. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

[Co-host]

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

Amen. Also, as we get started, I want to say thank you so much. Once again, just man, here we are on day 71. I don't know if you thought, okay, you know, when it comes to the Bible, I can totally do that. Maybe get lost a little bit. But the catechism, if you made it to day 71, if you made it.

[Co-host]

To today, that's no small feat.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

That is pretty amazing. Those are Big feet. So great work. I'm really proud of you. As we launch into day 71, paragraphs 495 to 501, Mary's Divine Motherhood Called in the Gospels the mother of Jesus.

[Co-host]

Mary is acclaimed by Elizabeth, at the prompting of the Spirit and even before.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

The birth of her Son, as the mother of my Lord. In fact, the one whom she conceived.

[Co-host]

As man by the Holy Spirit, who truly became her Son according to the flesh, was none other than the Father's.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

Eternal Son, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity. Hence, the Church confesses that Mary is.

[Co-host]

Truly Mother of God.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

Theotokos Mary's Virginity from the first formulations.

[Co-host]

Of her faith, the Church has confessed that Jesus was conceived solely by the power of the Holy Spirit in the.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

Womb of the Virgin Mary, affirming also the corporeal aspect of this event.

[Co-host]

Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit without human seed. The fathers see in the virginal conception the sign that it truly was the Son of God who came in a.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

Humanity like our own. Thus, St Ignatius of Antioch, at the beginning of the second century are firmly.

[Co-host]

Convinced about our Lord, who is truly of the race of David, according to.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

The flesh, Son of God, according to.

[Co-host]

The will and power of God. Truly born of a virgin, he was truly nailed to a tree for us in his flesh.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

Under Pontius Pilate, he truly suffered as he is also truly risen. The Gospel accounts understand the virginal conception of Jesus as a divine work that.

[Co-host]

Surpasses all human understanding and possibility. That which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit, said the angel.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

To Joseph about Mary, his fiance.

[Co-host]

The Church sees here the fulfillment of the Divine promise given to the prophet Isaiah.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son.

[Co-host]

People are sometimes troubled by the silence.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

Of St. Mark's gospel and the New.

[Co-host]

Testament epistles about Jesus. Virginal conception Some might wonder if we were merely dealing with legends or theological constructs, not claiming to be history.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

To this we must respond.

[Co-host]

Faith in the virginal conception of Jesus met with the lively opposition, mockery or incomprehension of non believers, Jews and pagans alike. So it could hardly have been motivated by pagan mythology or by some adaptation.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

To the ideas of the age. The meaning of this event is accessible only to faith, which understands in it.

[Co-host]

The connection of these mysteries with one another in the totality of Christ's mysteries from his incarnation to his Passover.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

Saint Ignatius of Antioch already bears witness to this connection, stating Mary's virginity and giving birth and even the Lord's death.

[Co-host]

Escaped the notice of the Prince of this world.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

These three mysteries worthy of proclamation were.

[Co-host]

Accomplished in God's silence.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

Mary, ever Virgin. The deepening of faith in the virginal.

[Co-host]

Motherhood led the Church to confess Mary's real and perpetual virginity, even in the act of giving birth to the Son of God made man.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

In fact, Christ's birth did not diminish his mother's virginal integrity, but sanctified it.

[Co-host]

And so the liturgy of the Church.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

Celebrates Mary as the ever virgin.

[Co-host]

Against this doctrine, the objection is sometimes raised that the Bible mentions brothers and sisters of Jesus. The Church has always understood these passages as not referring to other children of the Virgin Mary.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

In fact, James and Joseph, brothers of.

[Co-host]

Jesus, are the sons of another Mary.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

A disciple of Christ, whom St. Matthew significantly calls the Other Mary.

[Co-host]

They are close relations of Jesus. According to an Old Testament expression, Jesus.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

Is Mary's only Son, but her spiritual.

[Co-host]

Motherhood extends to all men whom indeed he came to save.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

The son whom she brought forth is.

[Co-host]

He whom God placed as the firstborn.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

Among many brethren, that is the faithful.

[Co-host]

In whose generation and formulation she cooperates with a mother's love.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

Okay, so there we go, those three articles. I mean, there's more things that are.

[Co-host]

Said here, but the three kind of pieces, the three hinges of today's teaching.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

Have to do with Mary's divine motherhood, with Mary's virginity, and with Mary being.

[Co-host]

Ever virgin or perpetually a virgin.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

Now, Mary's divine motherhood. We already covered this a couple of times, but I love that Here is paragraph 495, which highlights St. Luke's gospel, right? That as Mary visits Elizabeth before the.

[Co-host]

Birth of her Son, Jesus is newly conceived in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

And already Elizabeth says, who am I.

[Co-host]

That the mother of my Lord should come to me?

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

So she recognizes that the one who is the Lord. Elizabeth recognizes in this incipient way, like very small beginning of understanding way, that the one who is here is the Lord and this woman is the mother of my Lord. In fact, paragraph 495 says in fact.

[Co-host]

The one whom she conceived as man.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

By the Holy Spirit, who truly became.

[Co-host]

Her Son according to the flesh, was none other than the Father's eternal Son.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

The Second Person of the Holy Trinity. So again, we have already covered that, but it's worth highlighting and worth remembering. The next part is that Mary was a virgin, so that there was no.

[Co-host]

Natural conception of Jesus.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

It was completely supernatural conception of Jesus. In fact, paragraph 496 highlights this, that.

[Co-host]

Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit without human seed.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

Now it goes on to say this quote from St. Ignatius of Antioch, which is remarkable at the beginning of the second century. So in the 1/ hundreds says, you.

[Co-host]

Are firmly convinced about our Lord, who is truly of the race of David.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

According to the flesh, Son of God.

[Co-host]

According to the will and power of God, truly born of a virgin.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

Now this is, this is so critical that Jesus truly is conceived of the Holy Spirit, the overshadowing Holy Spirit of the Virgin mary. As paragraph 497 states. The gospel accounts understand the virginal conception of Jesus as a divine work that.

[Co-host]

Surpasses all human understanding and possibility.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

Yes, like this is completely a new thing. And in light of, you know, paragraph 498, I'd love some of these paragraphs that address the objection and even that.

[Co-host]

People are sometimes troubled.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

For example, 498 highlights. Well, you know, well, Mark's Gospel doesn't. It doesn't really emphasize the conception of Jesus. So that's kind of troubling.

[Co-host]

Why wouldn't Mark also include the fact.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

That Jesus was conceived miraculously, this virginal conception?

[Co-host]

And some would wonder if we're dealing with legends or theological constructs, not claiming to be history. And I love this because the church addresses this, doesn't hide from it, but responds.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

And I love the response. The response is that from the very beginning, faith in the virginal conception of.

[Co-host]

Jesus met with lively opposition, mockery and.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

Incomprehension of non believers, Jews and pagans alike. So it wasn't a situation where like, oh yeah, of course, that always happens. And it was recounted by the apostles, it was recounted by the Gospel writers, by the first Christians. It was passed on not because it was a more convincing argument, but because it was true. That's the only reason.

[Co-host]

And that's the remarkable thing, the only.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

Reason why the church ever believed this. It's not because it would win more converts, because it wouldn't in fact made.

[Co-host]

Things harder to believe.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

The only reason they passed it on is because it was true. And I love what St. Ignatius, remember St. Ignatius of Antioch, who already had the previous quote?

[Co-host]

He has another quote here at the.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

End of paragraph 4, 98, which is just remarkable. He says these three things, Mary's virginity.

[Co-host]

And giving birth and even the Lord's death. Now think of those three things, Mary's.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

Virginity and the birth of Jesus. So Christmas and even the Lord's death, these really big moments, conception, the birth, nativity and the Passion, escaped the notice.

[Co-host]

Of the Prince of this world.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

These three mysteries worthy of proclamation were.

[Co-host]

Accomplished in God's Silence.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

And to think about, these are maybe you'd say, like the three greatest events.

[Co-host]

That have ever happened in the history of humanity.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

That the conception of Jesus, that miraculously, that here is the second person of the Trinity become flesh, the birth of Jesus, I.e. entry into the world, and then the passion and death of Jesus, that are.

[Co-host]

Worthy of proclamation, but they were accomplished in God's silence.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

They're accomplished in mystery, which is just remarkable. Now, going on this last and kind of third article, that Mary is perpetually a virgin, that paragraph 499 highlights the.

[Co-host]

Deepening of faith in the virginal motherhood led the Church to confess Mary's real.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

And perpetual virginity, even in the act of giving birth. So that Christ's birth did not diminish his mother's virginal integrity, but sanctified it. And so the liturgy of the Church calls Mary hypothenos, which is the word or term, ever virgin. Now, sometimes mentioned that like, well, there's.

[Co-host]

What about the brothers of Jesus? What about the brothers and sisters of Jesus? And if you read paragraph 500, which.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

We literally just did, you'll remember that.

[Co-host]

The Church has always understood these passages as not referring to other children of the Virgin Mary.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

In fact, James and Joseph, the quote.

[Co-host]

Unquote, brothers of Jesus, are the sons of another Mary that Matthew significantly calls the other Mary. Their close relationship, Jesus, according to an Old Testament expression.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

The Old Testament expression would be Adelphoi, right?

[Co-host]

Adelphos is brother and Adelphoi is brothers.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

Or brothers and sisters. It can mean siblings. It can also mean cousins. It can mean uncles and nephews, just close relations. It simply can mean relatives. And so what the Church has always taught is that, yeah, these quote unquote.

[Co-host]

Brothers and sisters of Jesus are not siblings of Jesus, but simply close relations.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

Now, it's interesting. I remember reading a story about St. Jerome at one point. St. Jerome is translating the Bible, you.

[Co-host]

Know, from Hebrew and Greek into Latin.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

So that all people could hear and understand the Bible. And some of his friends were saying.

[Co-host]

Hey, there's this guy who's come along.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

And here's my paraphrase of the story. This guy's come along and he is claiming that Jesus had brothers and sisters.

[Co-host]

That Mary had other children other than Jesus and Jerome.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

You need to write an article denouncing this. You need to write an article proving that this is not true. This highlights how no one thought this. Jerome said, basically, I don't need to write an article about this. I don't need to write a defense about this. No one in the history of Christianity.

[Co-host]

Has ever believed that. No one's ever believed that. Even from day one. No one's ever believed that Mary had other children other than Jesus.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

And he's writing here in the 300 400s, and you realize that he's pretty close to ground zero when it comes to this.

[Co-host]

Now, ultimately, people said, yeah, but Jerome.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

If you don't write anything, then people will think you don't have an answer, and so you need to write something. So then he ultimately did write a defense of Mary's being perpetually a virgin. But I think it's worth noting that, yes, while the scriptures say Adelphoi, that the relatives. Maybe I'd say a better translation.

[Co-host]

The relatives of Jesus.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

The Adelphoi of Jesus. Well, Scripture says that the Church has always maintained that that means Adelphoi relatives, not Adelphoi siblings, which is very, very important.

[Co-host]

At the same time.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

Paragraph 501. Yes, Jesus is Mary's only son, but.

[Co-host]

Her spiritual motherhood extends to all men whom indeed he came to save.

[Fr. Mike Schmitz]

And we recognize that again, as we said before, and we'll say tomorrow again, that from the cross, Jesus entrusted us to his mother and entrusted his mother to us. Therefore, Mary is truly. Yes, in some ways, spiritually speaking, she has more than one child because she has everyone whom Jesus Christ has redeemed, everyone whom Jesus has saved, everyone for whom Jesus died. He also entrusted to Mary as their mother, which is incredible that he shares his mom with. With us. And so here in the family of God, here in the church, we get to rejoice and just be so grateful. Thank you, Jesus, for sharing your mom with us. Wow. I'm praying for you. Please pray for me. My name is Father Mike. I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless.