The Thomistic Institute

The History of Devotion to Mary: She Who Leads Us to Jesus – Fr. John Langlois, O.P.

Dec 8, 2025
Fr. John Langlois, O.P., a Dominican priest and Church historian, provides an enlightening exploration of Marian devotion. He traces the roots of Mary’s role from Scripture to the medieval era, emphasizing her maternal intercession. Langlois highlights the development of the rosary as a Christ-centered prayer, unpacks the Theotokos controversy, and discusses the evolution of Marian architecture. He articulates how Mary leads the faithful to Christ, particularly through the calming and meditative power of the rosary in turbulent times.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
INSIGHT

Scripture As The Foundation

  • Scripture grounds all Catholic teaching and devotion to Mary, including her sinlessness and maternal role.
  • Fr. John Langlois shows Gospel episodes as the scriptural foundation for Marian beliefs and practices.
INSIGHT

Mary As Intercessor And Guide

  • Mary intercedes and points people to Jesus, exemplified at Cana and elsewhere.
  • Langlois uses these episodes to justify devotion to Mary as a mediator leading believers to Christ.
INSIGHT

Mary Given To The Church

  • At the cross Jesus gives Mary to John as mother of all disciples, revealing her maternal role for the Church.
  • Langlois interprets 'Behold your mother' as conferring Mary to all future followers of Christ.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app