The Sinlessness of Mary

The Catholic Church teaches that Mary was preserved from sin by a singular grace of God—not because of her own merit, but in preparation for her unique role as the Mother of the Savior.

In Luke 1:28, the angel Gabriel addresses her as “full of grace” (kecharitōmenē in Greek), a term that signifies a completeness and permanence of divine grace. This unique greeting points to a special work of God in Mary’s soul—one not attributed to any other figure in Scripture.

Just as the Ark of the Covenant was made holy to carry the presence of God (cf. Exodus 25), so too was Mary prepared to bear the Word made flesh. Her purity reflects not her own glory, but the holiness of the One she carried.

Though Romans 3:23 states that “all have sinned,” the Church recognizes that God, in His sovereignty, can act exceptionally—as He did with Christ. Mary’s sinlessness is not a denial of her need for a Savior, but a testimony to the saving power of Christ applied to her in a unique and preemptive way.

Her holiness magnifies the greatness of the Lord (Luke 1:46), who prepared her entirely for the mission of bearing His Son.

The Written & Oral Tradition

The belief in the authority of both Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition is not a later invention—it is rooted in Scripture itself.

St. Paul exhorts the Thessalonians, “So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by our letter” (2 Thessalonians 2:15). Here, apostolic teaching is presented in two forms: written and oral. Both are to be received and upheld with equal fidelity.

Christ did not commission the apostles to write books, but to “make disciples of all nations… teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19–20). The written New Testament emerged from this living tradition of teaching, guarded and passed on by the Church.

Thus, Sacred Tradition is not separate from Scripture but intimately united with it. It is through both that the fullness of the apostolic faith is handed down, as intended by Christ and confirmed by His Word.