I am catholic and I go to both a catholic and christian church.?

Here is an excellent article that deals with the subject in more detail than I can: http://www.davidmacd.com/catholic/mary_i... That should answer your question about early references to Mary in Church writings or at least give you a place to start your research. Edit: Forgot to mention that there are other excellent articles about Mary at that site, too . The author has done his homework and is very accurate, as far as I can tell.

It started in the early centuries of Christianity. In the Catacombs in Rome, where the Christians hid during the time of persecution, there are drawings on the walls depicting Mary. The Christians were persecuted until 313AD.

Marian venerative practices predated both the liturgical developments and theological definitions relating to the Virgin Mary. While the venerative practices date back to the 2nd century, the first theological definitions started only in the 5th century. Thereafter, venerative and devotional practices have often preceded formal theological declarations by the Magisterium.

It is impossible to give an exact date, since no one kept track. But it is obvious from history, writings and paintings, that Mary was venerated very early in Christian history. EDIT - Yes, Wolfeblayde gave a link to an excellent article on the subject.

As she also mentioned the entire site is worth checking out.

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.