Formation by Friar Derrick Yap, OFM

Franciscan Mariology is the distinct theological understanding of Mary, Mother of Jesus, rooted in the spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi, emphasizing her as the Virgin-made-Church, the first daughter of God the Father, Mother of the Son, and Spouse of the Holy Spirit, and a unique co-mediator in salvation history alongside Christ, especially through her Immaculate Conception and spiritual motherhood of believers. It highlights Mary as the ultimate model of poverty, humility, and perfect union with God, embodying the Church itself. 

Key Themes & Characteristics:

The Virgin-made-Church: A central concept where Mary perfectly embodies the Church, a virginal body receptive to the Holy Spirit, making her the first and greatest member of the People of God.

Immaculate Conception: A cornerstone, seen not just as freedom from original sin but as the foundational perfection that allows her to be the Mother of God, even predating Christ’s redemptive work in a sense, as explained by St. Bonaventure.

Spouse of the Holy Spirit: Mary’s unique relationship with the Holy Spirit, enabling the Incarnation and continuing to form Christ in believers’ hearts.

Spiritual Mother & Co-Redemptrix (Coredemptive Role): Mary’s active role as a spiritual mother to all humanity and co-participant with Christ in the work of redemption, often linked to the “Our Lady of Sorrows” devotion.

Christ-Centered: Deeply intertwined with Christology, seeing Mary’s role as essential to understanding Christ and the Church, with Franciscan theology focusing on her as the perfect human response to God’s love. 

Founders & Key Figures:

• St. Francis of Assisi: The foundation, emphasizing Mary as the humble, poor, and holy Mother of God, found in the San Damiano Crucifix.

• St. Clare of Assisi: An “imprint of the Mother of God,” reflecting Francis’s Marian focus.

• St. Bonaventure (The Seraphic Doctor): Systematized Franciscan Mariology, exploring her role in the Incarnation and charity. 

In essence, Franciscan Mariology presents Mary as the ideal Christian, a model of perfect discipleship, embodying the core Franciscan values of poverty, love, and humble service to God and the Church