John Paul II – Divine Mercy, No. 9: Mary, Mother of Mercy (1980)

Encíclica “Dives in Misericordia” (30 de November de 1980)The encyclical *Dives in Misericordia* is the second encyclical letter of Pope Saint John Paul II, following the programmatic *Redemptor Hominis* (1979). Dedicated to divine mercy, in number 9 it presents a profound mariological synthesis: Mary as *”Mother of Mercy”*, the one who *experienced* the mercy of God in a unique way and, therefore, can *mediate* mercy for all.Detalhes do Documento:– **Pope:** Saint John Paul II (1978-2005) – **Date:** November 30, 1980 – **Title:** Encyclical Dives in Misericordia – **Central Theme:** Divine mercy and the figure of Mary as “Mater misericordiae” (Mother of Mercy).Texto Latino (n. 9 – Mater misericordiae)Maria is also the one who, in a singular and extraordinary way, as no other has experienced mercy, and at the same time, in an equally extraordinary way, through her own sacrifices of heart, made possible a share in God’s mercy. This sacrifice is intimately connected with the cross of her Son, at whose feet she stood on Calvary.Mary is also the one who in a singular and extraordinary way, unlike any other, experienced mercy, and at the same time, in an equally extraordinary manner, made possible through the sacrifices of her heart a share in God’s mercy. This sacrifice is intimately connected to the cross of her Son, at the foot of which she stood at Calvary.Tradução Portuguesa (n. 9 – Continuar)Maria is at the same time the one who most “knows” God as Mercy: she knows its price, she knows how great it is. In this sense, we also call her “Mater Misericordiae” or “Mater misericordiae Dei.” These titles have deep theological significance, for they express the singular cooperation with God that was given only to Mary, Mother of the Incarnate Word.Nobody has experienced the mystery of the Cross to its depths as she did, this apex revealing the merciful love. Even more so: no one knows how to welcome into her heart the specific tone of mercy: “misericordia eius a progenie in progenies” (Lk 1, 50).Os Três Níveis da Mariologia da Misericórdia:São João Paulo II desenvolve a mariologia da misericórdia em três níveis:1. **Mary experiences mercy:** She is the first beneficiary of divine mercy (Magnificat: *”The Mighty One has done great things for me”*). 2. **Mary cooperates with mercy:** Through her “fiat,” through her suffering on the Cross, through her participation in the salvific mystery. 3. **Mary intercedes for mercy:** She presents herself as a Mother who asks for mercy for sinful children.Magnificat como Hino da Misericórdia:The Pope interprets the Magnificat (Lk 1, 46-55) as the most explicit biblical song of divine mercy. The words of Mary, “misericordia eius a progenie in progenies timentibus eum” (his mercy extends from generation to generation for those who fear him), summarize the biblical theology of hesed (faithful mercy) and rahamim (maternal compassion) expressed in her mystical experience.

From the Year of Mercy to the Jubilee of 2000

The Marian theology of mercy developed in 1980 will be taken up again twenty years later during the Year of Mercy jubilee of 2000, canonizing Saint Faustina Kowalska. Mary as “Mother of Mercy” will become the central focus of post-John Paul II spirituality, culminating in Pope Francis’ Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy (2015-2016).

Additional Reading

* Mariology * Redemptoris Mater * Mulieris Dignitatem * Deus Caritas Est * Post-Graduate Mariology