Ask Aquinas from Sanctifica

Ask Aquinas · Saints

What is the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in salvation?

Reviewed by our team · October 16, 2026

The Blessed Virgin Mary's role in salvation is that of the true Mother of the Redeemer, who freely consented to the Incarnation, and who, as the Mother of God, stands uniquely close to the work of our redemption.

Mother of Christ. St. Thomas teaches that the Blessed Virgin is in truth and by nature the Mother of Christ, for His body was not brought down from heaven, as the heretic Valentine maintained, but was taken from the Virgin Mother and formed from her purest blood. Hence the Redeemer took true human nature from her, and she is rightly called the Mother of God. The Incarnation was also in a way natural on her part, yet supernatural by the operation of the Holy Ghost, since He was begotten not of seed, but of the Holy Ghost and the Blessed Virgin.

Her free consent. The Angel's announcement to Mary was fitting, says St. Thomas, so that she might be informed in mind before conceiving in the flesh, that she might be a more certain witness of the mystery, and that she might offer God the free gift of her obedience: Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Furthermore, in the Annunciation the Virgin's consent was besought in lieu of that of the entire human nature, showing a certain spiritual wedlock between the Son of God and human nature. Citing St. Augustine, he adds that Mary was more blessed in receiving the faith of Christ, than in conceiving the flesh of Christ.

Her share in His Passion. The Church also honours Mary's compassion with her Divine Son. The feast of her Seven Sorrows commemorates her spiritual martyrdom, standing beneath the Cross, when she suffered with Him in the work of our redemption.

Her Davidic lineage. Her descent from David, attested by Scripture, fulfils the promise that the Christ should be of the seed of David according to the flesh.

Ask Aquinas your own question

Sources

  • Summa Theologica, Tertia Pars, Q. 35, A. 3Christ's nativity
  • Summa Theologica, Tertia Pars, Q. 30, A. 1The Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin
  • Catholic Encyclopedia (1907), Vol. 14, 'Feasts of the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary'
  • Catholic Encyclopedia (1907), Vol. 15, 'The Blessed Virgin Mary'

About Ask Aquinas

Ask Aquinas is an AI assistant named for St. Thomas Aquinas, the Angelic Doctor. It answers questions about the Catholic faith from traditional sources, including:

  • The Summa Theologica of St. Thomas Aquinas
  • The Church Fathers, with the decrees of the Councils and writings of the Popes
  • The Catholic Encyclopedia (1907–1914)
  • The Douay-Rheims Bible, with Fr. Haydock's commentary
  • The Roman Catechism of the Council of Trent

It answers from the Church's teaching as it stood before the Second Vatican Council (1962), and it gives that teaching, not opinions. Where the Church has left a question open, it sets out each position held by approved theologians.

Each answer cites the passages it draws on, so you can read them for yourself. This answer was reviewed by our team before it was published.

The sources carry ecclesiastical approval, but the AI's answers have not received a Nihil Obstat or Imprimatur and can contain mistakes. Ask Aquinas is not a substitute for the Magisterium of the Church, a priest or a spiritual director. For questions of conscience, preparing for the sacraments or your own spiritual life, please ask a priest.