Fr. Chris Alar addresses the recent doctrinal note Mater Populi Fidelis (“Mother of the Faithful”) released by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. The document discusses Marian titles such as Co-Redemptrix and Co-Mediatrix, leading many to ask whether these titles may still be used.
Fr. Chris explains that this note falls under the ordinary magisterium of the Church — meaning it is authoritative and deserves religious obedience, but it is not infallible. It does not define new dogma or forbid the use of these Marian titles. Instead, it advises caution when they are used in ways that might confuse the faithful or seem to diminish the unique and saving role of Jesus Christ.
As Fr. Chris points out, several popes — including St. Pius X, Pius XI, and St. John Paul II — used the title Co-Redemptrix to describe Mary’s singular participation in her Son’s work of redemption. The Latin prefix co- (from cum, meaning “with,” not “equal to”) expresses that Mary cooperated with Christ in a subordinate and dependent way, never as His equal. Just as St. Paul called us “co-workers with God” (1 Cor 3:9), Mary’s “yes” made her the perfect collaborator in His saving plan.
Fr. Chris also emphasizes that honoring Mary does not reduce our love or worship of Jesus. Just as loving another child does not divide a parent’s love, devotion to Mary actually deepens love for her Son. Mary leads us to Christ; she never replaces Him. Grace comes from God alone, through Christ, yet Mary intercedes as the one most united to His mission of mercy.
The Church teaches that Jesus alone is the Redeemer and the sole Mediator between God and man (1 Tim 2:5). Mary’s participation is always subordinate — a reflection of Christ’s glory, not a rival to it. The new document cautions that when certain terms require constant clarification, they may be unhelpful in ordinary catechesis. However, it also explicitly states that their use is not forbidden if they are explained properly and understood in the light of the Church’s faith.
Fr. Chris concludes that while the Marian Fathers will always remain obedient to the Magisterium, they will also continue to explain and defend the Church’s Marian tradition with clarity and fidelity. Properly understood, these titles honor Christ by acknowledging the full truth of how He chose to work through His Mother for our salvation.
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