On a recent episode of The Patrick Madrid Show on Relevant Radio, Brandon from San Diego posed a thought-provoking question: Why do Catholics seem to focus so much on Mary? His concern wasn’t about praying with saints, but rather the sheer amount of time and prayer that Catholics dedicated to Marian devotion. He described it as a “food pyramid of prayers,” where it seemed like Mary was taking up most of the plate.
Patrick began his response with comprehensive insights, offering a biblical and theological foundation for Marian devotion. While some might view Catholic devotion to Mary as excessive, Patrick pointed out that Mary is deeply woven into the fabric of salvation history. She’s not a minor figure but a central one.
The Angel Gabriel’s greeting, “Hail, full of grace” (Luke 1:28), is an unmistakable sign of her unique role, namely, bearer of Christ. As His mother, she was also present at His first miracle at Cana (John 2:1-11), and stood by Him at the foot of the Cross (John 19:25-27). Even at Pentecost, she was with the Apostles (Acts 1:14), praying as the Holy Spirit descended, and in Revelation 12, she appears as the woman clothed with the sun, a symbol of her heavenly significance.
Patrick reminded listeners that Jesus Himself honored His mother. In John 17, Jesus prays about sharing His glory. If He honors His mother, should we not do the same? Honoring Mary is not about elevating her above God but recognizing her as the masterpiece of His creation.
One of the biggest misconceptions about Our Lady is that Marian devotion equates to worship. Patrick clarified that Catholics honor Mary, just as Gabriel did when he greeted her with “Hail.” Asking for her intercession is no different than asking a fellow Catholic to pray for us—except that she is in heaven and the mother of Christ, making her intercession uniquely powerful. Marian prayers, like the Rosary, are deeply Christocentric. Every Hail Mary directs attention to Jesus through meditation on His life.
Brandon’s concern stemmed from the high frequency of Marian prayers he encountered on Relevant Radio. Patrick pointed out that Catholic prayer life is vast and diverse. The Mass, which is the highest form of prayer, is celebrated daily at Relevant Radio and is centered entirely on Christ. Further, devotions like the Divine Mercy Chaplet, Eucharistic Adoration, and personal prayers all focus on God. Marian devotion is significant but should not be perceived as disproportionate—it is simply part of a balanced prayer life.
Mary is not a competitor with God but His masterpiece. If God chose her to bear the Savior, protected her from sin, and placed her in such a central role in salvation history, then she is certainly worthy of our love and honor.
For those who want to dive deeper, Patrick recommended two books:
- Hail, Holy Queen by Scott Hahn
- Behold Your Mother by Tim Staples
Have a question of your own? Tune in to The Patrick Madrid Show weekdays 8am-11am CT!
