Mary in the Work of Redemption

This chapter provides an overview of Mary’s role in the work of redemption and her mediation of grace. The focus is on Roman Catholic Mariology, but Eastern Orthodox and Protestant perspectives are also covered. The chapter begins with Scripture and continues with a survey of Patristic understandings of Mary as the New Eve and Mediatrix of grace. It continues with medieval developments and moves into the early modern period when the title ‘Coredemptrix’ begins to be used more frequently. The next section considers various commissions, controversies, and papal supports for Mary as the unique collaborator in the work of redemption and the Mediatrix of all grace. The chapter then moves into discussions over Marian co-redemption and mediation from the early twentieth century through Vatican II. Attention is given to recent petitions to declare Mary as Coredemptrix and Mediatrix of all grace and the current state of the question.