The divine maternity is the foundation, source, and root of all Mary’s graces and privileges, both those that preceded it as preparation and does that accompanied it or followed from it as its consequence. It was by way of preparation for the divine maternity that Mary was the Immaculate Conception, preserved from the state of original sin by the future maternity of her Son.

He redeemed her as perfectly as was possible; not by healing her but by preserving her from the original stain before it touched her soul for even an instant. It was because of her maternity that Mary received the initial fullness of grace which seems not to increase until it reached its consummated plenitude.

And because of the same maternity she was exempt from all personal faults, even venial, and from all imperfections, for she never failed in promptitude to obey the divine inspirations. The dignity of Mary surpasses therefore that of all the saints combined.

+ Fr. Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange, O. P.

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