The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

September 8th is the Nativity of The Blessed Virgin Mary. Mary was born to a deeply devout couple, Saints Joachim and Anne, in Nazareth, a small village in Galilee. They were well advanced in years and were tremendously saddened by their childlessness, making Mary’s birth nothing short of miraculous. Preserved by God from the stain of original sin, Mary’s conception was Immaculate and she would remain Immaculate for her entire existence. Only in this way could the perfect Son of God be held in her womb.

The birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary is one of three births celebrated in the liturgical year: The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist, and the Nativity of the Mother of God (or Jesus); The Blessed Virgin Mary. These three figures are distinctly honoured and uniquely connected.

The Month of Our Lady of Sorrows

The month of September is traditionally dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows. The Blessed Virgin Mary received this title through the Prophecy of Simeon, Luke 2:34-35: “And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother: Behold, this child is set for the fall and for the resurrection of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be contradicted; and thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that, out of many hearts, thoughts may be revealed.”

During this month we remember the sorrowful events in Our Lady’s life, when she suffered greatly, especially during the passion and death of her beloved son Jesus Christ. Catholics pray the Rosary of the 7 Dolors (Latin: sorrow/pain) during this month in particular, recalling the following sorrows:

1. The Prophecy of Simeon, 2. The Flight into Egypt, 3. The Loss of Jesus in the Temple, 4. Mary’s Meeting Jesus on the Way to Calvary, 5. Jesus’ Death on the Cross, 6. Mary Receives the Dead Body of Jesus in Her Arms, 7. Jesus is Placed in the Tomb.

Each of the sorrows in Mary’s life pierced her heart with profound grief. Meditating on the Gospel passages that are central to each sorrow brings us closer to Our Lady, and to Jesus. The Feast of the Seven Sorrows of Our Lady is celebrated on September 15th.