Skip to main content

Per Matrem ad Filium

Per Matrem ad Filium

– Answered by Father Johann Roten, S.M.

Q: What is the origin of the expression Per Matrem ad Filium or Per Mariam ad Jesum?

A: Father Chaminade in Ecrits sur la Foi 454 states that this expression is the teaching of the Fathers, especially Ambrose, Augustine, Anselm, Bernard, and Bonaventure.

The earliest occurance of the actual phrase may be from Arnold of Bonneville († after 1156) in his Seven Words of Christ on the Cross (Tractatus de Septem Berbis Domini in Cruce). In the third treatise, dealing with the expression: "Mulier, ecce filious tuus" (PL 198, Col. 1697B) Bonneville speaks of a Quadriga to reach the Father in Heaven. The wayu heads from us to the mother (of God), from her to the Son = per matrem ad Filium, and from the Son to the Father.

Circumstances are found in Bernard of Clairvaus (1090–1133) (PL 183, sermo II). Per te (Marian) accessum habeanmus ad Filium. Similarly, we find in the Sermo about the twofold generation of Christ (PL 184, sermo II): Ducat nas Mater ad Filium.

All About Mary includes a variety of content, much of which reflects the expertise, interpretations and opinions of the individual authors and not necessarily of the Marian Library or the University of Dayton. Please share feedback or suggestions with marianlibrary@udayton.edu.

CONTACT

Marian Library

Roesch Library
300 College Park
Dayton, Ohio 45469 - 1390
937-229-4214
Website
Email

Study Mary

Study the theology and history of Mary at the University of Dayton.

Learn More

Keyword Search

Would you like to begin a new keyword search?

Get Started