The Thomistic Institute Mariology 101: Part 1 – Fr. James Brent, O.P.
Nov 21, 2025
Fr. James Dominic Brent, an Assistant Professor of Philosophy and chaplain at the Dominican House of Studies, dives into Mariology by exploring Mary's titles and her key role as Mother of God. He discusses how understanding these titles enhances our devotion to her. From tracing the origins of the Immaculate Conception to the significance of Mary's perpetual virginity, Brent unpacks pivotal attributes and how they connect to Mary's mission in salvation history. His analysis culminates in the assertion that Mary's motherhood uniquely defines her diverse roles.
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Litanies Teach Mary's Identity
- Litanies and hymns list Mary's many titles to both honor and educate believers about her role.
- Each title reflects a real property of Mary that points toward an intelligible unity to be explained.
Search For A Unifying Principle
- When faced with many properties, the mind seeks a primary cause that explains them all.
- Mariology historically pursued a single fundamental principle to unify Mary's attributes.
Core Dogmas Frame Mariology
- Four Marian titles form the scriptural and dogmatic core: perpetual virginity, Mother of God, Immaculate Conception, and Assumption.
- Peripheral titles are explained by this core, not vice versa.
