Teologia modlitw maryjnych Jana Pawła II

Abstract

The author of this article analyzes the theology present in several dozen Marian prayers that John Paul II prayed in Rome, Italy and in various Marian shrines around the world. The author points out that a specific Mariology has been preserved in them; on one hand, very theologically rigorous, based on biblical and theological foundations, and on the other hand, tinged with love, piety and childlike devotion. All Mariological dogmas are recalled, although God’s motherhood and motherhood towards the Church are most frequently invoked. It is therefore a well-founded Mariology, though not abstract, distant from human being, but one that motivates action, prayer, contemplation, moral and pastoral effort, and filial love for the heavenly Mother. It is also Mariology practiced in a way in the context of experienced matters and problems, and therefore extremely existential, as evidenced by the requests addressed to “our Mother” for support in life’s difficulties. The entrustments made by the pope in various shrines or in front of the icons or statues of the Mother of God were undoubtedly intended to leave the local people under the protection of the Mother of God. They also had educational significance: they taught to pray to Our Lady, to call upon Her help, to ignite among the people love for Her. It is not necessary to show how his Marian attitude had a profound effect on Marian devotion in the universal Church and in every local Church he visited.