For National Geographic Channel the Virgin Mary is ‘The Most Powerful Woman’

No other female in the history has been so venerated, loved and exalted as the Virgin Mary. She utters very few words in the Bible. Yet, volumes have been written about her, perhaps more than about any female, ever. National Geographic Channel made an attempt to explore the secret of her widespread devotion to the Virgin Mary, and featured it in a programme, “How the Virgin Mary Became the World’s Most Powerful Woman?”

Maureen Orth, at the helm of the document explored the unusual phenomenon of devotion to the Mother of God. She interviewed many Marian scholars and experts and even followed pilgrims to Marian apparition sites including Lourdes, Kibeho, Mexico City, and Medjugorje.

The idea of Mary as an intercessor before God comes from scripture at the Wedding Feast of Cana, when she intercedes with Jesus for the family that ran out of wine.

After a detailed research, Maureen Orth concludes that, “Since then no other woman has been as exalted as Mary. As a universal symbol of maternal love, as well as of suffering and sacrifice, Mary is often the touchstone of our longing for meaning, a more accessible link to the supernatural than formal church teachings. Her mantle offers both security and protection.”