Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God
The first Marian feast of the Western Church, established in the Fifth century, commemorating the greatest and most fundamental privilege bestowed upon the Blessed Virgin: that of Divine Maternity. The title “Mother of God” was established the Council of Ephesus in 431, and the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major was built in her honor.
See also:
Mass Readings
First Reading – Nm 6:22-27
The LORD said to Moses: “Speak to Aaron and his sons and tell them: This is how you shall bless the Israelites. Say to them: The LORD bless you and keep you! The LORD let His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace! So shall they invoke My name upon the Israelites, and I will bless them.”
Responsorial Psalm – Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8 (R. 2a)
R. May God bless us in His mercy.
May God have pity on us and bless us;
may He let His face shine upon us.
So may Your way be known upon earth;
among all nations, Your salvation. R.
May the nations be glad and exult
because You rule the peoples in equity;
the nations on the earth You guide. R.
May the peoples praise You, O God;
may all the peoples praise You!
May God bless us,
and may all the ends of the earth fear Him! R.
Second Reading – Gal 4:4-7
Brothers and sisters: When the fullness of time had come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to ransom those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. As proof that you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” So you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son then also an heir, through God.
Gospel – Lk 2:16-21
The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them. When eight days were completed for His circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given Him by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.
Featured Saints
St. Odilo, abbot (†1049). Acting in God’s name he pacified belligerent peoples and, at a time of famine, assisted the needy. As abbot of Cluny in France, he was the first to order the Commemoration of All Souls to be celebrated in French monasteries on the day following the Solemnity of All Saints.
St. Vincent Mary Strambi, bishop (†1824). Passionist religious who governed with holy wisdom the Diocese of Macerata and Tolentino (Italy). He was exiled for his fidelity to the Roman Pontiff.
St. Zygmund Gorazdowski, priest (†1920). Polish priest who founded the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Lviv, Ukraine.
St. Clarus, abbot (†660/670). Superior of St. Marcellus Monastery in Vienne, France.
St. Joseph Maria Tomasi, religious (†1713). Renouncing a noble inheritance, he became a Theatine. He dedicated most of his life to research and the publication of ancient texts and documents of the Sacred Liturgy. held important posts in the Roman Curia, and was raised to the dignity of cardinal.
St. Zdislava of Lemberk, mother of a family (†1252). Wife of the Prince of Lemberk, she had two Dominican monasteries built which were instrumental in the growth of this Order in Bohemia.
Blessed Valentine Paquay, priest (†1905). Belgian Franciscan religious, promoter of devotion to the Rosary. He has been compared with the Curé of Ars for his dedication in the confessional.
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