~ Why Mary? ~ What Catholics believe about Mary can be summarized in 5 key teachings: 1.) Theotokos - Mary, Mother of God: If Mary is the mother of Jesus, and Jesus is God, then Mary is the Mother of God. Saying Mary isn’t the Mother of God denies the divinity of Jesus. This teaching is called “theotokos,” which literally means “God-bearer.” 2.) Perpetual Virginity - Mary was a virgin before, during, and after the birth of Jesus: God became man in Mary’s womb. Mary fulfilled Old Testament prophe