Mariolatry

From Textus Receptus

Mariolatry is a noun which describes the worship of the Virgin Mary, from Mary and latry with connective element o. Latry means worship from latria. It is a derogatory term suggesting that the Roman Catholic Church, Orthodox Churches, and the like, preform veneration which is considered inappropriate.

Fra Paolo Sarpi in his "History of the Council of Trent" sketches the rise of Mariolatry in the papal church. The phrase "Mother of the Divine Son," used toward the end of the third century, was used not in her honour but in honour of Christ to show that He was born Divine. By degrees it was used in honour of Mary instead of Christ. In the eleventh century a canonical office was instituted in honour of her which gained ground by decrees of church councils and popes until the Jesuits came on the scene in the sixteenth century when it advanced in leaps and bounds.

In many cities in Italy great columns are to be seen on which stand a female figure with a crown on her head and sceptre in her hand. These are monuments to Mary, "the Queen of Heaven," raised to celebrate her Immaculate Conception - a false Romish claim, promulgated by pope Pius IX, December 8th, 1854, that she was born free from original sin.^[1]

References

• 1. Mariolatry - Extracts from "The Roman Church in Italy" by Alexander Robertson D.D. Edited by Sylvia Lacoski