Jesus’ mother Mary has inspired more art and music than any other woman in history. Even in the modern age she fascinates the imaginations of men and women of all faiths. In fact, Mary has appeared on the cover of Time magazine more than any other person. What Catholics believe about this woman is very simple: Mary points us to Jesus.

The simple answer is no, Catholics don’t worship Mary. We pray to Mary, but not in the same way we pray to God—and not to worship her as a god.

Think of it in this way: If you got sick and asked a friend to pray for you, they probably would. Our relationship with Mary operates under this same principle. We believe that Mary (and the saints) are dead to this world, but we also believe they live on with God for eternity in the next world.

And we believe that their prayers are just as powerful now that they are in heaven—even more powerful—than they were when they were here on earth. We are essentially saying to them, “We have problems down here. You know what it’s like, because you’ve been here. Please, pray for us!”

Add to that Mary’s unique perspective on the life of Jesus. Imagine the incredible insights we can gain by praying to her! Too often we squeeze the humanity out of our spiritual perspectives and exercises. Mary was a woman, a wife, a mother, a human—and the mother of Jesus. She laughed and cried, made dinner, changed diapers, and suffered anguish we will never know.

Mary has a unique perspective. It seems that every genuine Christian, not just Catholics, should be interested in that perspective—and not just interested, but fascinated.

The Catholic Church has always celebrated Mary. Everything we believe leads us closer to Jesus. What Catholics believe about Mary can be summarized in 5 key teachings:

1. Theotokos: Mary is the Mother of God.
2. Perpetual Virginity: Mary was a virgin before, during, and after the birth of Jesus.
3. Immaculate Conception: Mary was conceived without original sin.
4. Assumption: Mary was taken body and soul into heaven.
5. Co-redemptrix, Mediatrix, and Advocate: Mary plays a unique role in redemption.

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.”

God became man in Mary’s womb. Mary fulfilled Old Testament prophecies by miraculously conceiving and giving birth to Jesus as a virgin, and she maintained her virginity throughout the rest of her time on earth. Her perpetual virginity celebrates that amazing moment when God became man.

Mary was different from the moment she was conceived in her mother’s womb. While we inherited the sin and brokenness of Adam and Eve, Mary was saved from that original sin.

Now, that doesn’t mean she did not need redemption. Mary did need redemption. Jesus redeemed all of us by his suffering and death on the cross. Those saving graces simply redeemed Mary in a special way.

God used the graces from the cross to save Mary from the stain of all sin at the moment of her conception. How is this possible? God exists outside of time, so he can apply the graces of redemption at different times of history, as he did with Mary.

God granted Mary yet another gift. At the end of her time on earth, Mary was taken (or “assumed”) body and soul into heaven. This means Jesus and Mary are the only two people in heaven who are there in both body and soul. Jesus chose to honor and give his mother this glory in heaven.

Mary suffered with Jesus. As co-redemptrix, we acknowledge her intimate cooperation with Jesus in the redemption of humanity, in his amazing sacrifice for us on the cross. She bore him, raised him, supported him in his ministry, and walked with him every step of the way to his passion and death.

Now in heaven, our mother loves us as mediatrix and advocate. This means Mary tirelessly brings our needs to her son, and gives us his graces. Whatever we’re struggling with or whatever our loved ones are struggling with, we can bring to Mary.

It’s all about Jesus. Just as we learn much about the life, teachings, and person of Jesus from the Gospels, we can learn much about Jesus from Mary. She has a unique perspective. She can tell us things about Jesus, and teach us things that nobody else can. Everything Mary does and is brings us closer to Jesus.