The virtues of Mary
The Virtues of Mary – A Life Rooted in Holiness – with a Focus on Her Humility
The virtues of Mary. Mary is the perfect model of Christian virtue, and among her many virtues, humility stands out as the foundation of her holiness. Her humility allowed her to surrender completely to God’s will and to magnify His greatness rather than her own.
Mary’s Virtues – A Life Rooted in Holiness
The Church traditionally highlights ten principal virtues of Mary:
- Profound humility
- Lively faith
- Prompt obedience
- Continual prayer
- Universal mortification
- Divine purity
- Ardent charity
- Heroic patience
- Angelic sweetness
- Divine wisdom
Each of these virtues flows from her humility, which is at the heart of her relationship with God. Let’s explore Mary’s humility in greater depth.
Mary’s Humility is the Key to Her Holiness
1. Mary’s Humility at the Annunciation
📖 Luke 1:38
“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be done to me according to your word.”
At the Annunciation, Mary responds to the angel Gabriel with total humility and surrender. She acknowledges herself as the “handmaid of the Lord,” not claiming any special status but offering herself as a servant.
🔹 Lesson for Us:
- True humility is recognizing that all we have comes from God.
- Like Mary, we should say “yes” to God’s plan, even when we don’t fully understand it.
💡 Practice: Each morning, pray Mary’s Fiat:
“Lord, I am Your servant. Let Your will be done in my life today.”
2. Mary’s Humility in the Magnificat
📖 Luke 1:46-49
“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has looked upon the humility of His servant.”
In the Magnificat, Mary gives all the glory to God, not herself. Even though she is chosen to be the Mother of God, she does not boast but acknowledges her lowliness.
🔹 Lesson for Us:
- Humility is giving credit to God rather than seeking recognition.
- We should always magnify God’s goodness, not our own achievements.
💡 Practice: At the end of each day, thank God for any blessings and remember that all good things come from Him.
3. Mary’s Humility in Service
📖 Luke 1:39
“Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town of Judah, and entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.”
After receiving the greatest news in history—that she will bear the Son of God—Mary does not stay focused on herself. Instead, she goes “in haste” to serve Elizabeth, who is also expecting a child.
🔹 Lesson for Us:
- True humility is putting others before ourselves.
- Instead of seeking attention, we should serve those in need.
💡 Practice: Perform one hidden act of service each day without expecting recognition.
4. Mary’s Humility at the Birth of Jesus
📖 Luke 2:7
“She gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”
Jesus, the King of the Universe, is born in a lowly stable. Mary does not complain about the poverty of her surroundings but accepts God’s plan with humility.
🔹 Lesson for Us:
- Humility means accepting hardships without resentment.
- We should trust that God works even in difficult circumstances.
💡 Practice: When facing discomfort, instead of complaining, offer it to God as Mary did.
5. Mary’s Humility at the Presentation in the Temple
📖 Luke 2:22-24
“They offered a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord: ‘a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.’”
Mary and Joseph offer the simplest sacrifice allowed by the Law, showing their humility and poverty. Though she is the Mother of God, Mary follows the law like any other woman.
🔹 Lesson for Us:
- Humility means following God’s commands with obedience, even in small things.
- We should not seek privileges but live simply and faithfully.
💡 Practice: Be faithful in small acts of obedience, like daily prayer, honesty, and patience.
6. Mary’s Humility in Suffering
📖 Luke 2:35
“A sword will pierce your own soul, too.”
Mary accepted the deep suffering of watching her Son’s Passion and Death without complaint. She did not rebel or question God’s will.
🔹 Lesson for Us:
- True humility accepts suffering with faith.
- Instead of asking, “Why me?”, we should ask, “Lord, how can I unite my suffering with Yours?”
💡 Practice: When facing suffering, offer it to Jesus, saying:
“Jesus, I accept this cross as Mary did. Give me the strength to bear it with love.”
7. Mary’s Humility at the Foot of the Cross
📖 John 19:25
“Standing by the cross of Jesus were His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.”
Mary remains silent at the foot of the Cross. She does not demand justice or seek recognition as Jesus’ mother. She simply stands with love and faith.
🔹 Lesson for Us:
- Humility is trusting God even when we don’t understand His plan.
- We should remain faithful in difficult times, like Mary.
💡 Practice: When facing trials, pray:
“Mary, help me stand firm in faith, even when life is difficult.”
Living Mary’s Humility in Daily Life
To imitate Mary’s humility, ask yourself: ✅ Do I acknowledge that all I have comes from God?
✅ Do I serve others without expecting praise?
✅ Do I accept hardships with trust in God?
✅ Do I give glory to God rather than seeking recognition?
✅ Do I remain faithful in suffering?
Final Prayer: Litany of Humility (Inspired by Mary)
🙏 O Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like Yours.
💙 From the desire of being praised, deliver me, O Jesus.
💙 From the desire of being honored, deliver me, O Jesus.
💙 From the fear of being humiliated, deliver me, O Jesus.
💙 That others may be loved more than I, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
💙 That I may imitate the humility of Mary, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
Would you like help in applying Mary’s humility to a specific situation in your life? 😊
Ignatian Spiritual Guide GPT
Guides users through Ignatian spiritual exercises with daily scripture reflections.
