Joshua Bennett
The Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary on September 8, honouring her existence as a real historical figure and her role as the Mother of God. This date is nine months after the celebration of her Immaculate Conception on December 8. The Church makes no claims about the historical accuracy of these dates, but they serve a liturgical purpose, recalling the mysteries associated with Mary.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 8 September |
| Name of Feast | The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary |
| Number of birthdays on the Church's liturgical calendar | 3 (Mary, Jesus, and John the Baptist) |
| Customs | Attending Mass, reading Scripture, praying the Most Holy Rosary, birthday cake, small parties |
| Hymns | Ave Maria, Salve Regina, Immaculate Mary, Hail, Holy Queen |
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What You'll Learn
The Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The birth of Mary is seen as an event of great significance, marking the confluence of the two Testaments in Christian scripture. It brings to a close the stage of expectation and promises and ushers in the era of grace and salvation in Jesus Christ. Mary's existence is indissolubly linked to that of Christ, and her birth is believed to be part of a unique plan of predestination and grace. Saint Augustine described Mary's birth as an "appropriate prelude to the birth of Jesus Christ", highlighting its importance in the Christian faith.
The faithful can choose to honour Mary's birthday in various ways. Attending Mass on this day is a common practice, as it allows followers to focus on Mary's role in salvation through Scripture readings such as the Annunciation, the Visitation, or the Wedding Feast at Cana. Praying the Most Holy Rosary is another way to pay homage to Mary and express devotion. For those celebrating with children, a birthday cake or a small party in honour of Mary can add a festive touch to the occasion.
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Honouring Mary's existence as a historical figure
Mary's existence as a historical figure is deeply rooted in the Christian narrative. She is revered as the Mother of Jesus, and her life serves as a bridge between the Old and New Testaments. Mary's birth signifies the conclusion of an era marked by expectation and promises, ushering in a new age of grace and salvation through her son's teachings. This unique position in the Christian timeline underscores the importance of acknowledging her historical presence.
The celebration of Mary's birthday also aligns with the Catholic Church's veneration of her as the Mother of God. Mariology, the theological study of Mary, explores her pivotal role in affirming the humanity of Jesus. By recognising Mary as the Mother of God, the Church reinforces the belief in Jesus' dual nature as fully human and fully divine. This theological perspective, affirmed by the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD, underscores the significance of honouring Mary's existence and her role in Christian doctrine.
Additionally, Mary's historical significance is highlighted by her unique conception and birth. According to tradition, Mary was conceived immaculately and born "full of grace" (Luke 1:28). This sets her apart from other figures, as her existence is marked by a special holiness from the very beginning of her life. Mary's parents, Saints Joachim and Anne, are also revered as powerful intercessors, further emphasising the sanctity surrounding her birth and early life.
The celebration of Mary's birthday provides an opportunity to delve into the rich tapestry of Marian traditions and doctrines within the Catholic Church. Devotions such as praying the Most Holy Rosary, reciting Marian hymns like "Ave Maria" and "Salve Regina," and observing the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary all honour her existence as a historical figure. These practices reinforce the belief in Mary's earthly life and her enduring impact on Christian faith and doctrine.
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Mary's Immaculate Conception
The Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary on September 8, honouring the birth of Mary, the Mother of God. This date is nine months after the celebration of the Immaculate Conception on December 8.
The doctrine of the Immaculate Conception is based on the idea that Mary was born without original sin so that she could later give birth to Jesus, who was without sin. This belief is supported by several passages in the Bible, including Luke 1:28, which describes Mary as "full of grace", and Luke 1:41, which states that Mary was favoured by God.
The Immaculate Conception is a unique event in the history of salvation and is seen as a sign of God's favour and a precursor to the Incarnation of Christ. It is also a testament to Mary's role as the Mother of God and her unique place in the history of salvation. As the Mother of God, Mary is seen as a mediator between God and humanity, and her Immaculate Conception is seen as a sign of her purity and holiness.
The celebration of the Immaculate Conception on December 8 is a solemnity, a day of special devotion and celebration in the Catholic Church. It is a time for Catholics to honour Mary and reflect on her role in the history of salvation. It is also a reminder of the mystery and power of God, who can bring about a conception without sin.
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Mary's role in salvation
Catholics celebrate the birthday of Mother Mary on September 8. This date is nine months after the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception on December 8.
Now, onto Mary's role in salvation.
Obedience and Faith: Mary's obedience and faith are contrasted with Eve's disobedience in the Garden of Eden. According to St. Irenaeus, "the knot of Eve's disobedience was loosed by the obedience of Mary." By her faith and obedience, Mary became a cause of salvation for herself and all mankind.
Intercession and Mediation: Mary is often referred to as the "Mediatrix" or "Mediatrix of all graces." This means that she intercedes for humanity in heaven, presenting our prayers and petitions to her Son, Jesus Christ. In Catholic theology, Mary's intercession does not deny or diminish Christ's role as the sole Mediator between God and humanity but rather complements it.
Model of Christian Discipleship: Mary is seen as a model Christian and the spiritual mother of Christ's disciples. Her fiat (obedient consent) at the Annunciation extended throughout her Son's life and beyond. By her maternal charity, she cares for her Son's brethren, interceding for them and bringing them eternal salvation.
New Ark of the New Covenant: Mary is also seen as the New Ark of the New Covenant. Just as the Ark of the Covenant in the Old Testament foreshadowed Christ, Mary physically carried Christ, the Living Bread, in her womb for nine months.
Collaboration in Salvation: Some Catholic teachings emphasize that God willed for salvation to be accomplished through the collaboration of a woman, Mary, while respecting her free will. This collaboration between God and Mary is seen as transformative, not only for Mary but also for all those who cooperate with God's grace.
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Marian hymns and the Rosary
Marian hymns are Christian songs that venerate the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus. They are used in both devotional and liturgical services, with some also being adopted as Christmas hymns. The Magnificat, also known as the Song of Mary or the Canticle of Mary, is perhaps the earliest Marian hymn. It is taken directly from the Gospel of Luke (Luke 1:46-55) and is spoken by Mary upon her visitation to her cousin Elizabeth.
The Salve Regina, or Hail Holy Queen in English, is another well-known Marian hymn. It has been used by various Catholic orders as a daily processional chant, and is also traditionally recited at Compline from Trinity Sunday until Advent. The Regina Caeli, or Regina Coeli ("Queen of Heaven"), is another Marian hymn that is prescribed to be sung or recited in the Liturgy of the Hours at the conclusion of the last of the hours prayed in common that day, typically night prayer (Compline or Vespers).
The four great seasonal Marian antiphons are the Salve Regina, Alma Redemptoris Mater (Loving Mother of Our Savior), Ave Regina Caelorum, and Regina Caeli. These are sung at the end of Compline, also known as Night Prayer. Other Marian hymns include "Mother Dearest" and "Holy Mary, Mother Mild".
The Rosary is a Catholic devotion that involves praying a set of Hail Marys, Our Fathers, and other prayers while meditating on the mysteries of the life of Jesus and Mary. The Rosary is often prayed with a set of beads to keep track of the prayers. The four seasonal Marian antiphons, including the Salve Regina, are sometimes added to the conclusion of the Rosary.
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Frequently asked questions
Catholics celebrate Mary's birthday on the 8th of September.
The 8th of September is exactly nine months after the Immaculate Conception, celebrated on the 8th of December.
Catholics can celebrate Mary's birthday in many ways. They can attend Mass, read Scripture concerning her role in salvation, or pray the Most Holy Rosary. Catholics with children might have a birthday cake or a small party in her honour.
The date of the 8th of September is based on the apparitions at Medjugorje, which are not acknowledged by the Church. In these apparitions, Our Lady said that she was born on the 5th of August.
