Year 9 : Prophecy and Promise
Are women a part of God’s plan for Salvation?
The Importance of Mary
By exclaiming that “from now on all generations will call me blessed” Mary was expressing the importance of what God was going to do through her, and how this miraculous event would be remembered and celebrated forevermore.
The Church teaches that Mary’s words in the Bible are still coming true today through the special days Catholics celebrate in her honour.
These days are called Marian Feasts.
The Church says the following about the verse from the Magnificat; "All generations will call me blessed":
"The Church's devotion to the Blessed Virgin is intrinsic to Christian worship.“ The Church rightly honors "the Blessed Virgin with special devotion. From the most ancient times the Blessed Virgin has been honored with the title of 'Mother of God,' to whose protection the faithful fly in all their dangers and needs. […] The liturgical feasts dedicated to the Mother of God and Marian prayer, such as the rosary […] express this devotion to the Virgin Mary.
(CCC 971)
Key Word | Definition |
Magnificat | Mary’s song of praise after receiving the promise of Jesus from Angel Gabriel. |
Mary | The name of Jesus’ mother. |
New Eve | A devotional title given to Mary, linked to the concept that Mary is the counterpart to Eve. |
Mother of God | A devotional title given to Mary by Catholics as she gave birth to Jesus who they believe is the Son of God. |
Apparition | Appearances of someone or something, like Mary appeared to Bernadette in Lourdes . |
Our Lady | A devotional title given to Mary by Catholics, a title showing reverence and honour. My Lady was a term used for dignitaries and royalty. |
Incarnation | When God became flesh in the person of Jesus. |
Immaculate Conception | The belief that Mary was born free from sin, indicating she was chosen for the role of Jesus’ mother. |
Salvation | Humans being saved from sin to have a chance of going to Heaven. |
Marian | relating to Mary (Jesus’ mother). |
Protoevangelium | The ‘First Gospel’. In Genesis 3: 15, God shows that he always had a plan for salvation, |
Assumption | the belief that Mary’s body and soul were taken up to Heaven at the end of her life. |
Social Justice | The concept of a fair and equitable society where all groups have what they need to be able to thrive regardless of their background. |
Ever Virgin | A theological title for Mary referring to the Catholic dogma that Mary was a virgin before, during and after Jesus’ birth, and until her Assumption. |
Typology | Interpretation of types and symbols in the Bible, particularly concerning the foreshadowing between the Old and New Testament. |
Racism | treating someone less favourably because of their race. |
Dogma | truths revealed by God and taught by the Magisterium. |
Rosary | A prayer ritual used by Catholics where different prayers (Our Father, ten Hail Marys and the Glory Be) are recited whilst reflecting on specific events in Jesus’ life. |
Year 9 : Prophecy and Promise
Are women a part of God’s plan for Salvation?
Summary:
Year 9 : Prophecy and Promise
Are women a part of God’s plan for Salvation?
Correct liturgical order:
Year 9 : Prophecy and Promise
Are women a part of God’s plan for Salvation?
And Mary said,
“My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.
And his mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”
(Luke 1:46-49)
In Luke’s Gospel we find a passage called the ‘Magnificat,’ or Mary’s Song. This is a special prayer that Mary said/sung when she found out she was going to have baby Jesus. In it, she thanks God and praises Him for being kind, powerful, and helping people who are poor or in need. It’s called the Magnificat because that’s the first word in Latin, which means “to magnify” or praise.” Think of it like a really beautiful thank-you speech from Mary to God!
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For Catholics, The Magnificat isn’t just a personal prayer of joy! It’s a radical, justice-focused song.
It calls Christians to:
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The Magnificat can be directly linked to tackling racism, especially through its strong themes of justice, dignity, equality, and the reversal of oppressive systems.
God Lifts the Humble, Challenges the Proud: Racism often protects the powerful and marginalizes minority communities. The Magnificat shows that God is on the side of those who are oppressed, and will bring down unjust systems. This can be interpreted as a call to dismantle racist power structures and promote racial equity.
Human Dignity for All: God sees those the world overlooks, including people who face racial discrimination. The Magnificat reminds us that every person is seen, valued, and dignified — which opposes the very basis of racism.
Racial Justice: Since racism is a form of injustice, the Magnificat supports efforts to:
The bus boycott took place in Montgomery, Alabama in 1955:
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Rules on the Montgomery (Alabama) Buses
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How successful was the Montgomery Bus Boycott?
In December 1955, when returning home from her work, Rosa Parks sat down on the bus in the ‘coloured’ area. When the white area was full and someone needed a seat, the bus driver, Blake, told her to stand. She refused. She was arrested.
The black civil rights leaders decided they would use Parks to highlight the unfairness in Montgomery. The Women’s Political Council printed leaflets and called for a one-day strike on 5th December – the day of her court hearing. On 5 December, 90% stayed off the buses, whilst Parks was charged $10 and $4 in court fees. The boycott was so successful that it was decided to continue it.
Martin Luther King was elected President of the Montgomery Improvement Association (MIA). He was a powerful speaker and
had few enemies. Local leaders believe he could rally different peoples to the cause.
At the beginning, the leaders wanted first come, first served seating with the African Americans at the back and the white at the front and African American drivers on majority African American routes. This was refused. White citizens fought back, King’s house was bombed, boycotters were threatened or fired from their jobs. Some were arrested several times but the boycott continued.
To avoid using the buses, the leaders organised carpools and the city’s African American taxi drivers only charged 10 cents (the same price as the bus fare) for African American riders. The bus company lost so much money since 60-70% of the customers were African Americans.
On 5 June 1956, the courts decided that the bus company were acting unconstitutionally and they were ordered to desegregate – the boycotters won! The boycott came to an end 381 days after it began.
The bus boycott was significant because:
However, although the buses were integrated but the bus stops remained segregated. Snipers began firing into buses, one shooter shattered both legs of a pregnant African American passenger. In January 1957, 4 African American churches and the houses of prominent leaders were bombed. King’s house was targeted again. Later in the month, the Montgomery police arrested the 7 bombers, who were all members of the KKK.
Theme of the Magnificat: | Rosa Parks’ Actions |
“He has brought down rulers from their thrones” | • Parks’ act of defiance challenged unjust segregation laws |
“He has lifted up the humble” | • Gave dignity and voice to oppressed African Americans |
“He has filled the hungry with good things” | • Sparked the Civil Rights Movement for justice and equality |
“He has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts” | • Exposed the arrogance of a system built on racial superiority |
Faith and Trust in God’s Justice | • Acted with conviction and hope despite personal risk |
Rosa Parks can be considered a “woman of the Magnificat” because her courageous stand against racial injustice reflects the themes of Mary’s song in Luke 1:46–55. The Magnificat celebrates God’s justice, lifting up the humble and challenging oppressive systems. Similarly, Parks’ quiet act of defiance sparked a movement that sought equality and dignity for the marginalized, embodying faith, hope, and moral courage.
Rosa Parks’ life and actions echo the prophetic vision of the Magnificat. Just as Mary proclaimed a God who overturns injustice and uplifts the lowly, Parks embodied these values through her courage and faith. Her stand against segregation was not only a political act but also a moral one, reflecting the Magnificat’s call for justice, dignity, and hope for the oppressed.
Nine months before the busy boycott, 15 year old Claudette Colvin refused to give up her seat for a white person on the bus in Montgomery. She was arrested – for exactly the same reason as Rosa Parks. She was treated badly by police.
Then why do you remember Rosa Parks and not Claudette?
Claudette was pregnant at the time, and the leaders thought that was not the image they wanted the press to show – she would be seen as a ‘bad girl’. Rosa Parks was middle class, mature and worked.
Today she was a street named after her, whilst Rosa Parks is remembered internationally, has been given awards, among other things. Is this fair?
Year 9 : Prophecy and Promise
Year 9 : Prophecy and Promise
Are women a part of God’s plan for Salvation?
What is Dogma?
A truth that has been infallibly confirmed by the teaching authority of the Catholic Church (the Magisterium). Catholics believe that Dogma has been divinely revealed and is therefore from God, unquestionable and holy.
The word Dogma comes from the Greek word which means ‘opinion’ or ‘judgement’.
Its root word is dokein – this means that what one thinks is true.
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Dogma is infallible...
Catholics believe that is something is divinely revealed it cannot be wrong or questioned. When it is revealed, it is often not something ne but something that has been there in scared tradition or scripture but understanding and interpretation of it is understood and confirmed, by the Holy Spirit, as true.
Key Dogmas for the Catholic Church include: the existence of God, the Holy Trinity, the Incarnation of Jesus Christ and the Real Presence of the Eucharist.
The Immaculate Conception
The Assumption
Mary, Mother of God
Mary, Ever Virgin
There are FOUR Marian Dogma
in the Catholic Church
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Definition: Divine Motherhood means Mary is the Mother of God. This was proclaimed at the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD 1.
Significance: This title emphasizes that Jesus is both fully God and fully human. Mary gave birth to Jesus, who is God incarnate.
Mother of God
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Definition: Perpetual Virginity means Mary remained a virgin before, during, and after the birth of Jesus
Significance: This highlights Mary's total dedication to God and the miraculous nature of Jesus' birth.
Ever Virgin
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Definition: The Immaculate Conception means Mary was conceived without original sin.
Significance: This dogma emphasizes Mary's purity and her special role in God's plan for salvation.
Immaculate Conception
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Definition: The Assumption means Mary was taken body and soul into heaven at the end of her earthly life.
Significance: This shows Mary's close relationship with God and her role as a model for all Christians.
The Assumption
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Through the prophets, God forms his people in the hope of salvation, in the expectation of a new and everlasting Covenant intended for all, to be written on their hearts. The prophets proclaim a radical redemption of the People of God, purification from all their infidelities, a salvation which will include all the nations. Above all, the poor and humble of the Lord will bear this hope. Such holy women as Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, Miriam, Deborah, Hannah, Judith and Esther kept alive the hope of Israel's salvation. The purest figure among them is Mary.
CCC 664
This quote from the Catechism teaches Catholics that:
Name | Who She Was | Her Story | Her Significance | Her Role in God’s Salvation Plan |
Sarah Genesis 16, 17, 18, 21 | A Moabite widow who chose to follow the God of Israel. | She prayed for a son and promised to give him to God. God gave her Samuel, whom she dedicated to the Lord. She sang a powerful prayer of praise (1 Sam 2). | Joseph became a key leader in Egypt, saving his family during famine (Gen 41–50). | Samuel anointed King David, ancestor of Jesus. Hannah’s faith and song inspired Mary’s Magnificat (Luke 1:46–55). |
Rachel Genesis 29–35 | A faithful woman who was childless for years. | Loyal to her mother-in-law Naomi, she gleaned in fields to survive. She married Boaz, a kind relative, and became the great-grandmother of King David. | Mother of Samuel, one of Israel’s greatest prophets | Helped protect Moses, who led Israel out of slavery—a step in God's rescue plan. |
Miriam Exodus 2, 15; Numbers 12; Micah 6:4 | Favourite wife of Jacob, sister of Leah. | Though she was old and barren, God promised Abraham a son through her. She laughed at the idea—but later gave birth to Isaac in her old age (Genesis 21). | Sarah became the mother of the Jewish nation. Her faith shows that nothing is impossible with God. Through her son Isaac came Jacob, and eventually, Jesus. | Ruth’s faith and loyalty led to the birth of David, and later Jesus, the Son of David. |
Ruth Book of Ruth | Wife of Abraham, originally named Sarai. | She struggled with infertility but eventually gave birth to Joseph (famous for his coloured coat) and Benjamin. | A foreigner who became part of Jesus’ family tree. | Rachel’s son Joseph saved the line of Israel, keeping God's promise alive during hard times. |
Hannah 1 Samuel 1; 2:1–10 | Sister of Moses and Aaron. | Watched over baby Moses in the Nile (Ex 2), led the women in praise after the Red Sea crossing (Ex 15). Later, she challenged Moses’ leadership (Num 12) and was corrected by God. | A prophetess and worship leader, and one of the first female leaders in Israel. | God’s promise to bless the world through Abraham’s family begins with Sarah. |
Year 9 : Prophecy and Promise
Are women a part of God’s plan for Salvation?
Hannah lived around 1100 BC in ancient Israel. She was very sad because she couldn’t have children. She prayed to God and promised that if He gave her a son, she would give him back to serve Him.
God answered her prayer, and she had a son named Samuel. When Samuel was old enough, Hannah brought him to the temple to live and serve God. Hannah is remembered for her faith and trust in God, and her son Samuel became a great prophet and leader.
Just as we said Eve can be seen as a ‘type’ of Mary at the start of the topic, so can Hannah. Hannah displayed immense gratitude to God and also selflessness as she dedicated her son to God. Also, after Hannah has her son, Samuel, she sings a song of praise to God.
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Both Hannah and the Magnificat give thanks for the miraculous intervention of God which led to the birth of sons (Samuel and Jesus) who played a significant role in history and in God’s ultimate plan for the salvation of humanity.
Year 9 : Prophecy and Promise
Are women a part of God’s plan for Salvation?
Spend
St Bernadette and Lourdes