Special Series: Marian Dogmas - Perpetual Virginity of Mary: Mystery, Tradition and Faith

The Perpetual Virginity of Mary

Introduction

The Perpetual Virginity of Mary is one of the four great Marian dogmas recognized by the Catholic Church, along with the Immaculate Conception, Divine Motherhood, and the Assumption. It affirms that Mary remained a virgin before, during, and after the birth of Jesus Christ, preserving a unique and sacred condition that has spanned the centuries as an object of faith, devotion, and theological debate.

More than a religious issue, the Perpetual Virginity of Mary opens space for a profound reflection on culture, symbolism and spirituality in the West, especially in the Americas, where Marian devotion shaped the identity of entire peoples.

👉 Read on to discover how this dogma connects with history, faith, and even contemporary life on the continent.

What does the Perpetual Virginity of Mary mean?

The dogma of the Perpetual Virginity of Mary states that Mary:

She was a virgin before the conception of Jesus, conceived by the Holy Spirit;

She remained a virgin during childbirth, without losing her physical integrity;

She remained a virgin after the birth of Christ, having no other biological children.

This teaching goes back to the Church Fathers (such as Saint Athanasius and Saint Augustine) and has been reaffirmed throughout the Christian tradition as a sign of Mary's holiness and uniqueness in the history of salvation.

The cultural and historical dimension in the Americas

Devotion to the Virgin Mary is not only a religious practice, but also a cultural element that spans the American continent. From Mexico to Brazil, the image of Mary as Mother and Virgin is central:

Our Lady of Guadalupe (Mexico): considered the Mother of Latin America, she is seen as a symbol of identity and cultural resistance.

Our Lady of Aparecida (Brazil): patron saint of Brazil, unites popular and official dimensions of the Catholic faith.

Our Lady of Luján (Argentina): icon of national devotion, associated with the simple people and local spirituality.

The belief in the Perpetual Virginity of Mary reinforces her position as a unique woman, different from all others, capable of generating life without breaking her spiritual purity.

The theology of perpetual virginity

The claim that Mary remained a virgin is not just a biological detail, but a profound spiritual symbol. Theologians explain that:

Virginity before childbirth demonstrates that the incarnation was a divine work.

Virginity during childbirth shows the uniqueness of Christ's birth.

Virginity after childbirth reinforces Mary's full consecration to God.

Thus, Mary becomes not only a mother, but also a model of absolute surrender.

Contemporary criticism and debates

In a society marked by science and rationality, many question the literal understanding of Mary's Perpetual Virginity. Modern theologians argue that what matters most is not the physical dimension, but the spiritual meaning: Mary as a free woman, fully dedicated to God and a symbol of redeemed humanity.

This reading brings faith closer to the contemporary world, without diminishing the value of tradition.

The Perpetual Virginity of Mary and the Experience of Faith on the Continent

In the American context, Marian devotion shows its strength not only in churches, but also in politics, art, and social movements. The image of the Virgin, who remains intact and pure, even in the face of suffering, has become a symbol of hope for marginalized communities.

👉 A strong example is the use of the image of Guadalupe in social protests in Mexico and the USA, where Mary is seen as a protector of the poor and immigrants.

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Conclusion: The eternity of a mystery

The Perpetual Virginity of Mary is not just a distant dogma, but an invitation to understand the relationship between faith, culture, and spirituality in today's world. Whether interpreted literally or symbolically, it remains a mystery that touches generations and gives meaning to millions of lives.

In the Americas, this dogma translates into hope, resistance, and cultural identity. It's more than theology: it's life, history, and faith.

References

BROWN, Raymond E. The Nativity of the Messiah. São Paulo: Paulus, 2004.

CATECHISM of the Catholic Church. 10th ed. Petropolis: Vozes, 2013.

CONGAR, Yves. The Virgin Mary. São Paulo: Paulinas, 2003.

DANIÉLOU, Jean. Mary, the Woman of Advent. São Paulo: Loyola, 2002.

JOHN PAUL II. Redemptoris Mater. New York: Pauline Press, 1987.

RATZINGER, Joseph. Son of Mary: Essays on Mariology. São Paulo: Paulinas, 2010.

SAINT AUGUSTINE. Sermons on the Nativity and the Virgin Mary. São Paulo: Paulus, 2001.

SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS. Summa Theologica. 2nd ed. São Paulo: Loyola, 2002.

VATICAN. Dogmatic Constitution Lumen Gentium. Vatican: Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 1964. Available at: https://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19641121_lumen-gentium_po.html. Accessed: August 18, 2025.