The Solemnity of
Mary,
the Mother of God
January 1
On New Year's Day, the octave day of Christmas, the Church celebrates the
Solemnity of the Holy Mother of God, the divine and virginal motherhood of the Blessed Virgin.
It is the highest title of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Theotokos, Mother of God.
This title was given to Mary at the Council of Ephesus in 431 A.D. The council
taught, however, that the humanity and divinity of Jesus could not be separated
and that they exist in one person, with the momentous implication that we can
rightly give Mary the title of Mother of God. Mothers bring life, a gift from
God, into the world. That's why you sometimes hear the Church referred to as
"Mother".
The Evangelist, Luke, describes her as the silent Virgin who listens constantly to
the Eternal Word, who lives in the Word of God.
This feast is the celebration of Mary’s motherhood of Jesus and is the oldest
feast of Mary celebrated by the Catholic Church.
Mary has an important role to play in the Incarnation of the Second Person of
the Blessed Trinity. She consents to God’s invitation conveyed by the angel
(Luke 1:26-38).
Elizabeth proclaims: “Most blessed are you among women and
blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the
mother of my Lord should come to me?
For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my
womb leaped for joy.
Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be
fulfilled."
And Mary said: "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
my spirit rejoices in God, my Savior.
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Mary, Mother of God
Heavenly Father, You blessed the Virgin Mary with the fullness of grace. She is
my model of faith, hope, and love. I give this new year to her intercession and
ask for her holy prayers. Place my needs into the protection of her motherly
love. With her help, I want my faith to grow. Give me an increase in the virtue
of hope when troubles tempt me to despair. Guide me in understanding Your
infinite love. And join my heart, dear Lord, to the Holy Mother's Immaculate
Heart, so that I may improve in loving everyone unconditionally, in imitation of
my Savior, Jesus. |
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Prayer for the Feast of Mary, Mother of God
Father, Source of Light in every age, the
Virgin conceived and bore Your Son who
is called Wonderful God, Prince of Peace. May her prayer, the gift of a mother's
love, be Your people's joy through all ages. May her response, born of a humble
heart, draw Your Spirit to rest on Your people. Grant this through Christ, Oour
Lord. |
- Foundation Marypages -
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Our foundation has the
objective to develop, expand and maintain the Marypages website to
promote the Roman Catholic belief and especially the Devotion of Our
Blessed Mother, Mary.
If your donation is 50 Euro or
higher, then you will also receive a beautiful
light blue rosary from Lourdes.
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