Virgin Mary fits in the cultural process of the Catholic Church, Mary has vital role in the Church she is Mother of the Church, God being the Father. The veneration of Mary is derived from the belief of the Immaculate Conception; through the conception Mary was able to be pregnant with the Son of God (Jesus) without engaging in sin and maintaining her virginity. The Virgin Mary is also venerated for her Assumption into heaven; literally her body and soul ascended to heaven. Worship to the Virgin Mary takes many forms: praying, music, poetry, painting and sculptures. The reasoning for her veneration is the belief that she will hear the prayers of the people and be an mediator between people and God, in other words she will put in a good word to God and prayers are most likely to be heard. Catholics also seek Mary for her protection, and salvation into heaven.
My particular statue of Maria Auxiliadora (helper) is the virgin that aids Christians all around the world. The way this statue could be ‘used’ is by three forms that I am familiar with. One way to use the statue is by prayer cards; the card has a picture of Mary then at the back a small prayer devoted to her. Second could be by praying the rosary. Third could be a simple prayer, there a numerous of ways in which a person can pray. This particular statue has a feast day which is May 24th, celebration to commemorate her feast day are different everywhere. Peru celebrates the biggest feast; streets close down for processions and prayer. When I attended the Maria Auxiliadora school on the 24 of May we would stop classes to celebrate this day. Dancing, music and presentations would be the most common way to celebrate. The significance of Maria Auxiliadora seems to be most important in Peru and in Catholic schools in South America whose namesake is Maria Auxiliadora. Other countries that partake in the feast of Mary are Colombia and Spain.
Here a video of the procession in Peru
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