Mary's Part in Our Redemption

In this thorough yet easy-to-read work, Canon George D. Smith unfolds the theological foundations of Our Lady’s titles of Co-Redemptrix and Mediatrix of All Graces. The author shows how these titles flow naturally from her unique role in the history and economy of our salvation, and how they complement, rather than diminish, Christ’s role as the one true Mediator.

The book begins with a reflection on the Fall of man and the promise of a Redeemer, before moving on to the broader doctrine of redemption—focusing on the Incarnation and Christ’s role as the new Head of humanity. Dr. Smith then examines Mary as the “New Eve,” whose unique grace and sanctity make her the perfect vessel to be the Mother of the Redeemer. He emphasizes Mary’s active role in salvation, especially her “fiat” at the Annunciation and her suffering alongside Christ at the foot of the Cross, which truly made her Co-Redemptrix—a sharer in the work of our salvation.

But Our Lady’s mission didn’t end at Calvary. Crowned as Queen in heaven, Mary now exercises her role as Mediatrix of All Graces, distributing to us through her powerful intercession every grace that comes from her Son. As St. Peter Chrysologus summed it up: “Mary is the mother of those that live by grace as Eve is the mother of those that die according to nature.”

Drawing on Scripture, the Church Fathers, and papal teaching, Canon Smith explains these doctrines with honesty, clarity, and precision. He shows how Mary’s privileges—her Immaculate Conception, her perfect holiness, her spiritual motherhood—all prepared her for her twofold mission as Co-Redemptrix and Mediatrix. Each chapter builds systematically on the previous and helps us to better understand and appreciate these beautiful truths about the Mother of God and the mother of mankind.