Is there a dogmatic or theological (yet not dogmatic) justification for kneeling before a statue/icon of the Virgin Mary?
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We Catholics keel when praying in front of an icon representing God (e.g. a statue of Jesus, or a crucifix as in some confessionals), or during an Eucharistic Adoration. However, some people also kneel in front of a statue depicting the Virgin Mary (or that of some saints).
I do understand that, theologically speaking, proper veneration of Mary and saints does not represent idolatry, but kneeling seems to be, in my opinion, something reserved for God alone. As [Philippians 2:10](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+2%3A10-11&version=NIV) says:
>that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth
So, beyond a justification based on mere cultural practices or habits, is there a dogmatic teaching of the Magisterium, or a theological justification (yet not dogmatic) stating that kneeling to venerate Mary is a "valid" practice? As far as I understand, dogmatic teachings only pertain to issues of faith and morals, meaning the justification for it might not be found there.
There are two questions ([here](https://christianity.stackexchange.com/questions/61165/how-do-catholics-answer-the-question-of-idol-worship-within-the-faith) and [here](https://christianity.stackexchange.com/questions/27027/why-do-catholics-bow-for-icons-of-the-virgin-mary)) which are related to the issue of veneration of saints/Mary, and of bowing to Mary. But there are not specific in details regarding kneeling (which in my view is much stronger than bowing).
Asked by luchonacho
(4702 rep)
Jul 31, 2018, 08:17 AM
Last activity: Oct 28, 2019, 02:53 AM
Last activity: Oct 28, 2019, 02:53 AM