Bishop responds to accusations of idol worship

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, May 29, 2007 / 12:59 pm (CNA).- Bishop Michael Saltarelli of Wilmington, Deleware celebrated the dedication Mass for a statue of Our Lady Queen of Peace, outside Holy Spirit Church. The statue has drawn the criticism of some in the local community who believe that Catholics worship Mary.

The statue is the result of nearly10 years of effort by parishioners, and its impact was evident at the Mass. The consecration ceremony packed the church, which seats around 800 people, with close to 1,000 attendees.

Bishop Saltarelli used the consecration of the statue as an opportunity to respond to the non-Catholics who objected to the statue on the grounds that it is an idol and that the parishioners would be worshipping her.

"What we are doing here today sadly disturbs many." Saltarelli went on to respond directly to one particularly "respectful and kind" inquirer, the News Journal reported. "We do not worship Mary," Saltarelli said. "She is not a goddess."

But the use of Mary as intercessor to Jesus Christ and God the Father, he said, is an integral part of the Catholic doctrine of the "community of saints" -- the spiritual solidarity that binds together the faithful on earth, in purgatory, and the saints in heaven.

"We pray for each other as wayfarers on earth," Saltarelli said. "So, why can't we reach out to the Blessed Mother also to intercede for us?"

The statue -- like those statues of patriots and historical figures that clutter the Capitol rotunda in Washington -- are not to be worshipped, he said, but to act as inspiration.

Comments: 10

Subscriber comments:

Published by: Annonymous
Orlando, Florida 10/06/2009 03:20 PM EST

I am a Catholic, but, I do not workship Mary whatsover, I do Give Glory to God in Jesus Christ Name. The Bible stated that, and do not reference to workship Mary.

Published by: Franco
Italy 01/22/2009 07:20 PM EST

To admire the beauty of the Capella Sistina (Sistine Chapel) in Rome in the Vatican, is to esteem and praise Michelangelo the author of such a marvelous masterpiece: To honor Mary is to praise and thanks God for such a inimitable splendid art of His hand.

Published by: Fr. Vincent
Baltimore, MD 06/04/2007 10:07 AM EST

We have no one else to blame but ourselves for the wrong impression non-Catholics have about our devotion to Mary. Too often, all they see are extreme examples of devotion to Mary which border on idolatry. Alberto's pious comment that "One sigh from MARY," etc. is an example of piety coming before solid Catholic theology.

Published by: Yvon Thivierge
Ottawa ON Canadá 06/02/2007 02:49 PM EST

Idolatry is a mortal sin punished by eternal damnation.

Published by: Marianne Johnpillai
Sri Lanka 06/01/2007 03:32 AM EST

I have just returned from Medjugorje, my third visit there! Our beloved Mother Mary continues to lead so many back to her Son and so let us look upon this statue and ask her intercession for those, especially in our families, who have strayed away and wonder like lost sheep. Ave Maria! May God bless the Bishop and grant him every grace to fulfil his ministry according to God's will.

Published by: Ray Linton
Puyallup,Wa.,USA 06/01/2007 12:02 AM EST

One time discussing this matter with an ex-catholic, though i dont believe in the term ex, but rather non-practicing. When he accused Catholics of praying to Mary, i was inspired,i believe by the Holy Spirit, Her Heavenly Spouse, to have him to change the to, rather to through, we pray through Mary not to Mary, just as if i would ask someone to pray for me, i'm not praying to you to pray for me, i'm asking you to intercede for me to God through Mary just as if you would ask your mother to intercede with dad when you needed something or were in trouble.

Published by: Theresa
New Bedford,Ma. USA 05/31/2007 11:52 AM EST

We need to remember we are honoring the Mother of Jesus and our Mother . Who doesn't want to honor their mother, or be pleased when they see others honoring her?

Published by: Alberto
Towson, Maryland, USA 05/31/2007 09:09 AM EST

Mary is God's greatest creature. When you honor Mary, you give thanks to God for creating such a Masterpiece. Remember, she is the daughter of the Father, the spouse of the Holy Spirit, and the Mother of the Son. What do you think Jesus would feel if you honor Him, but hate His Mother whom He loves? One sigh from Mary is more powerful than all the prayers of all the Saints and angels combined. Bishop Michael of Wilmington is simply a true soldier of Christ. God alone. Forever.

Published by: phil floersh
tucson/az/usa 05/29/2007 02:26 PM EST

Another news item one does not see anywhere else. Thanks be to God for this bishop.

phil

Published by: Brian
Indianapolis, IN, USA 05/29/2007 01:35 PM EST

Let's just hope that the critics didn't totally buy into Jack Chick's wild stories.

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