# The Fourth Privilege: The Eminent Holiness of Mary
*2015-04-26*

> Bill Young reflects on the fourth privilege of the 12‑star devotion, focusing on Mary’s unique holiness and how her example calls us to humility, love, and prayer.

## Opening Prayer

Good afternoon. This is Bill Young, and welcome to the Prayer at Lunch podcast. Let us begin with the sign of the cross: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. 

We recite the Apostles’ Creed: I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; He descended into hell; on the third day He rose again; He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father; He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

## The Fourth Privilege: Mary’s Eminent Holiness

Today we continue our devotion to the 12 stars, focusing on the fourth privilege: the eminent holiness of Mary. As Ephesians 5:27 (RSVCE) says, “that He might present the Church to Himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.” Mary, as the New Eve, is presented without spot or wrinkle—she is wholly holy and faultless.

Matthew 7:25 reminds us that the house built on the rock withstands the storm. Mary is that rock for us, a model of perfect fidelity to God’s will.

## Mary as a Model of Humility and Prayer

Virgin Mary is like a golden fabric woven with a simple pattern of perfect fulfillment of her duties. Her life was ordinary in circumstance but extraordinary in obedience. She teaches us to avoid the hypocrisy of false virtue and to embrace true humility, love, and profound prayer.

We pray the Hail Mary: “Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.”

## Closing Blessing

May the Most Holy Trinity be praised for the grace bestowed upon the Virgin Mary. May we, following her example, grow in holiness and become true witnesses of Christ’s love. Amen.

*Mary’s spotless holiness invites us to a deeper, authentic discipleship rooted in humility and prayer.*