​The first thing that needs to be clarified is Catholics do not worship Mary. We honor her and pray to her. But because she is the Mother of Jesus we hold her in special high regard. Many titles have been given to Mary but the most important one is and all other titles flow from this one "Mother of God."

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Because she is the mother of Jesus, Mary is the mother of God. As Vatican II puts it: "The Virgin Mary, who at the message of the angel received the Word of God in her heart and in her body and gave Life to the world, is acknowledged and honored as being truly the Mother of God and of the redeemer."

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A Mother of the Lord, Mary is an entirely unique person. Like her Son, she was conceived as a human being exempt from any trace of original sin. This is called her Immaculate Conception.

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Before, during, and after the birth of her Son, Mary remained physically a virgin. At the end of her life, Mary was assumed---that is taken up---body and soul into heaven. This is called her Assumption.

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The most popular Marian prayer is called "The Hail Mary." The beginning of this prayer is taken from Luke 1:42 and the ending was added by the church.

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