mariologydogmati00pohl - Carmel Apologetics

PART II
MARY'S SPECIAL PREROGATIVES
In the first part of this treatise we have explained the
teaching of the Catholic Church with regard to the unique
dignity of the Blessed Virgin Mary as Deipara or Mother
and the plenitude of grace
of God (OeoroKo^ KexapiTwfxevr]) ,
with which she was endowed.
From this fundamental teaching can be deduced by
aprioristic reasoning a number of extraordinary and
unique prerogatives. However, in determining these prerogatives
it is advisable to discard the deductive method
and to rely entirely on the data furnished by Revelation.
Divine Revelation ascribes to our Lady two
distinct classes of special prerogatives, one nega-
tive, the other positive.
Mary's negative prerogatives consist in the
removal, or absence, of all defects and blemishes
incompatible with divine motherhood. Her posi-
tive prerogatives may be defined as certain special
privileges which God conferred upon her with a
view to adorn and exalt her in a manner befitting
her sublime dignity as Deipara.
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