The Feast of the Holy Name of Mary

September 12th is the Feast of the Holy Name of Mary. It is not by mere chance that the Mother of God would receive this name. Joachim and Ann, Mary’s parents, were devoted to God in a most holy manner. It must be assumed that God would have played a part in the inspiring of Mary’s name. This beautiful designation brings with it three possible meanings.  Sovereignty, bitterness and resistance. No doubt Mary is sovereign. She suffered bitterly at the foot of her Son Jesus’ cross.  And for us, she will resist Satan.

It was extended worldwide by Pope Innocent XI in 1683, when John Sobieski (King of Poland) defeated the Turks who had surrounded Vienna and threatened the West. Polish soldiers had implored Mary’s patronage in the face of distress, and this victory was attributed to Her intersession.

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.