(This "Tidbit" is meant to explain some of the significance of Mary in the Catholic belief, but it is by no means a complete understanding of her importance to the Catholic faith.)
If you have ever visited a Catholic cemetery or even a Catholic grave inside a non-Catholic cemetery, you will notice that the graves themselves are often adorned with statues that hold profound religious significance. Among these, statues of Mary, the mother of Jesus, are some of the most common. For those who are not Catholic, these statues and devotions to saints and especially to Mary can be a source of confusion as some believe that Catholics are worshiping idols. This is not the case, however. In Catholic faith to have a statue or a picture of a saint, of Jesus himself, or in this case of Mary, is like having a photograph of a loved one in your home. We as humans like to have an image of those we love and for Catholics, this includes their saints. They are not worshipping these images and status, merely taking comfort in having an image of someone they love.
Mary, as the mother of Jesus, is chief among the Catholic saints and brings much comfort to those who are grieving. Many Catholics pray to Mary and to other saints to ask for them to pray to God on their behalf. Again, there is a misconception that Catholics can't pray directly to God. They can, but it never hurts to have extra prayers from others, just as humans on earth will ask other humans to pray for them. For those who are grieving, the sight of a Mary statue in a cemetery brings a sense of comfort and reassurance. The compassionate gaze and gentle demeanor of Mary are seen as a maternal presence, offering solace. The statues also serve as a visual reminder of the Catholic belief in the resurrection and the hope of eternal life.
You will often find that the statues of Mary are carved in different ways. Some of this is due to what Catholics believe about Mary's role in Jesus's life and this has led to calling her "Our Lady of Sorrows" or "Our Lady of Graces." Some titles come from specific beliefs, like the Assumption of Mary, Dormition of the Mother of God (the passing of Mary from her earthly life), and the Immaculate Conception. She has also been given titles based on locations where she is said to have appeared over the centuries to the faithful, requesting devotion and promising comfort,
such as "Our Lady of Fatima" or "Our Lady of Lourdes".
In Catholic cemeteries, statues of Mary stand as timeless symbols of faith, comfort, and hope. Their presence goes beyond mere ornamentation, offering a connection to the divine and a source of solace for those navigating the challenges of loss.
Photos: Various statues of the Virgin Mary located at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Wheat Ridge, Colorado.
