Besides the birth of Jesus, the Catholic Church celebrates only two other births: John the Baptist and the Virgin Mary. This is because their births play in integral part in the life of Jesus and in our salvation.
The Church celebrates the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary on September 8, unless it falls on Sunday.
The Nativity of Mary has been celebrated by the Church for even longer than the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, which was fixed on the calendar 9 months prior to her birth.
The details of Mary’s birth are based on the tradition and writing from the very first centuries of the Church.
Mary was chosen to be the mother of Jesus long before her birth. Early in the Bible, right after Adam and Eve’s sin, God promises that that the seed or offspring of the woman will fight against the offspring of the serpent. Mary is this woman.
Mary was born to be the Mother of the Savior. Her birth is an appropriate prelude to the birth of Jesus and marks a unique point in salvation history.
The most precious thing so far points to One even more precious:
We celebrate the birth of our mother:
After the solemnities just mentioned, particular consideration must be given to those celebrations that commemorate salvific events in which the Blessed Virgin was closely associated with her Son. Such are the feasts of the Nativity of Our Lady, “the hope of the entire world and the dawn of salvation”.
Pope Paul Vi, Marialis Cultus, February 2, 1974
Without Mary, there is no Jesus:
Mary is instrumental in God’s plan for salvation:
The birth of a humble mother:
We know that in everything God works for good with those who love Him, who are called according to his purpose. For those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that He might be the First-Born among many brethren. And those whom He predestined He also called; and those whom He called He also justified; and those whom He justified He also glorified.
Romans 8: 28-30
The birth of the one who is Full of Grace:
Throughout the Old Covenant the mission of many holy women prepared for that of Mary. At the very beginning there was Eve; despite her disobedience, she receives the promise of a posterity that will be victorious over the evil one, as well as the promise that she will be the mother of all the living. By virtue of this promise, Sarah conceives a son in spite of her old age. Against all human expectation God chooses those who were considered powerless and weak to show forth his faithfulness to his promises: Hannah, the mother of Samuel; Deborah; Ruth; Judith and Esther; and many other women. Mary “stands out among the poor and humble of the Lord, who confidently hope for and receive salvation from Him. After a long period of waiting the times are fulfilled in her, the exalted Daughter of Sion, and the new plan of salvation is established.
Catechism of the Catholic Church 489
Celebrating the birth of Mary where she was born:
Mary’s parents were St. Joachim and St. Anne:
The Truth, Goodness, and Beauty of the Catholic Church
Embracing God’s beauty:
Share this page with friends and family to start a conversation about your faith.
Don’t miss a post. Learn more about the Catholic Church and strengthen your Catholic faith.
Find more Fiercely Catholic video issues here.
Subscribe here.
