“When [The Son of God] took flesh and became man, He recapitulated in Himself the long history of men, procuring for us the reward of salvation so that in Christ Jesus we might recover what we had lost in Adam, namely, the image and likeness of God. For since it was not possible for man, once wounded and broken by disobedience, to be refashioned and to obtain the victor’s palm, and since it was equally impossible for him to receive salvation, as he had fallen under the power of sin, the Son of God accomplished both of these tasks. He, God’s Word, came down from the Father and became flesh; He abased himself even unto death and brought the economy of our salvation to its completion.”
Irenaeus of Lyon, Adversus haereses 3, 18; PG 7, 932
If you are interested in more quotes on Virgin Mary, you can find them in Mary and the Fathers of the Church on Amazon in both in Kindle and paperback formats.
Reference:
Gambero, L., 1999. Mary and the Fathers of the Church 1st ed. Translated by Buffer, T., San Francisco: Ignatius Press. p.53
