Perpetual Virginity of Mary: The Dogma and Its Meaning
A Virgindade Perpétua de Maria
The perpetual virginity of Mary is one of the four Marian dogmas of the Catholic Church, although it is the oldest in its formulation. Mary is recognized as a virgin before, during, and after the birth of Jesus. For a complete understanding, consult the article: Perpetual Virginity of Mary.
Os Três Momentos da Virgindade
A tradição cristã distingue três aspectos da virgindade de Maria:
- Virgindade ante partum: Maria concebeu Jesus sem a intervenção de um homem.
- Virgindade in partu: O parto não rompeu a integridade corporal de Maria.
- Virgindade post partum: Maria não teve outros filhos após Jesus. Os “irmãos de Jesus” mencionados nos Evangelhos são considerados primos ou filhos de José de um casamento anterior, de acordo com a tradição.
Fundamento Teológico
The virginity of Mary is not an external ascetic ideal but rather the expression of a total and exclusive surrender to God. By saying “Yes” (Fiat), Mary irrevocably committed herself to God. Her virginity symbolizes this unconditional dedication. It is also a sign of the divine initiative in the Incarnation: Jesus is born of God, not of human will (Jn 1:13).
Definição Dogmática
The Council of Lateran, in 649, presided over by Pope Martin I, defined the perpetual virginity of Mary as a doctrine of faith. The Second Council of Constantinople (553) and other earlier councils had already confirmed the title Aeiparthenos (ever-virgin). This definition is also recognized by the Orthodox Churches.
Aprofundar os Estudos
Explore tópicos relacionados, como Mariologia, Dogmas Marianos, Teologia Mariana e a Pós-Graduação em Mariologia.
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