Najświętsza Maryja Panna w chrześcijańskim doświadczeniu śmierci

Abstract

The article is an attempt to answer the question in what way is Virgin Mary the One who helps humans to accept the reality of death with an open mind and in such a way that makes them grow as well as brings them closer to truth and goodness. This topic seems to be especially relevant in situations in which one tries to escape the very thought of death and at the same time Marian devotion tends to be marginalized. Mary accompanies those who are experiencing their own death or whose loved ones are passing away. Just as she was present at the Golgotha under her Son’s cross, she is present at the end of the earthly life of her adopted children. She protects them from despair, anger and indifference. She helps the witnesses of faith to endure the experience of martyrdom. She encourages sinners to repent. Mary provides comfort in times of spiritual battle. She shows the path of love which retains nothing just for its own sake. She encourages people to support the dying. She invites us to discover the meaning of life and death in Christ. The author tries to reveal various dimensions of the experience of death by combining anthropological and Mariological reflection.