Featuring the insightful biblical teaching of Dr. Brant Pitre, Lectio Mary: The Bible and the Mother of God examines what Scripture, the life of Christ, and the early Church fathers reveal about Mary. By closely examining the connections between the Old and New Testaments, Dr. Pitre presents clear and easily understood explanations about the life and identity of Mary, the Mother of God.

With the artistry of the Augustine Institute’s Lectio series, this dynamic video program and accompanying workbook combine an in-depth biblical study with insightful questions, answers to common misconceptions about Mary, and personal reflections to lead the participants into a deeper love for Mary and a clearer understanding of her role in the Christian life.

Session 1: The New Eve

The Book of Genesis begins with the story of Adam and Eve, whose sin of disobedience breaks their relationship with God. God does not abandon his people, but gradually prepares them for the coming of his Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus, the promised “seed” of Genesis 3:15 is the “New Adam,” and his mother, the promised “woman,” is the “New Eve.” (Run time 37:12)

Session 2: The New Ark

In the Book of Exodus, God’s presence was contained in the Ark of the Covenant, his dwelling place among his Chosen People. In the New Exodus, God is once more present among his people in the Person of his Son, Jesus Christ. When Jesus is conceived in her womb, Mary becomes the New Ark of the New Covenant, bearing the presence of God. (Run time 35:42)

Session 3: Mother of the Messiah

In the Old Testament, the prophet Isaiah prophesies about the coming Messiah and the Messiah’s mother. Since Jesus—the anointed one of God, who saves his people from their sin—is truly the foretold Messiah, then his mother, Mary, is truly the Mother of the Messiah. (Run time 35:08)

Session 4: The Queen Mother

In the Old Testament, throughout the line of Davidic kings, the queen was not the wife of the king, but rather the king’s mother. As a result, King Solomon placed a throne at his right hand for his queen mother and bowed down in homage to her. Jesus, as the fulfillment of the Davidic line, rules as king of heaven and earth with his mother, Mary, as the queen mother. (Run time 34:31)

Session 5: Perpetual Virgin

Despite being married, Mary remained a virgin her whole life. When the New Testament speaks of our Lord’s brothers and sisters, a closer look at the original language spoken by Jesus, as well as other Scripture verses, sheds light on the truth of Mary’s perpetual virginity. (Run time 38:33)

Session 6: Mother of Sorrows

The Christian belief in the miraculous birth of Jesus affirms that Mary did not experience physical labor or birth pangs. However, as she stands at the foot of the Cross, she experiences the pain foretold by Simeon—“a sword will pierce through your own soul”—when she becomes the Mother of the Church. (Run time 35:38)

Session 7: The New Rachel

The Old Testament story of Joseph prefigures the life of Jesus and his salvific role in the New Testament. Likewise, the life of Benjamin, Joseph’s younger brother, has parallels with the life of John the beloved disciple. Rachel, the mother of Joseph and Benjamin, prefigures Mary, the mother of Jesus and spiritual mother of John, and, thus, she can be seen as the New Rachel. (Run time 39:19)

Session 8: Question & Answer

As the study concludes, Dr. Pitre takes time to answer questions that surfaced over the course of the video sessions. We are reminded that a deeper understanding of Marian teachings, illuminates even more fully the beauty and love of Our Lord! (Run time 32:17)