The Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God


Happy New Year to all and a blessed feast of the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God!

Eight days after the feast of the birth of Christ,  we remember  the Blessed Virgin Mary by celebrating her divine motherhood. As the Mother of God, Mary is known as Theotokus, which means the "God-Bearer". It is fitting to honor Mary as Mother of Jesus, following the birth of Christ. When Catholics celebrate the Solemnity of Mary Mother of God, we are not only honoring Mary, who was chosen among all women throughout history to bear God incarnate, but we are also honoring our Lord, who is fully God and fully human. Calling Mary "Mother of God" is the highest honor we can give her.

"Mary, the all-holy ever-virgin Mother of God, is the masterwork of the mission of the Son and the Spirit in the fullness of time. For the first time in the plan of salvation and because his Spirit had prepared her, the Father found the dwelling place where his Son and his Spirit could dwell among men. In this sense the Church's Tradition has often read the most beautiful texts on wisdom in relation to Mary. Mary is acclaimed and represented in the liturgy as the "Seat of Wisdom." ~ Catechism of the Catholic Church 721

Just as Christmas honors Jesus as the "Prince of Peace," the Solemnity of Mary Mother of God honors Mary as the "Queen of Peace". This solemnity, which falls on New Year's Day, is also designated the World Day of Peace. The Holy Father's 2010 message for this day weaves together his concerns for peace, poverty and care for creation.

Read the text of the 2010 World Day of Peace Message 

Alternate Collect

Let us pray
[in the name of Jesus,
born of a virgin and Son of God]
Father
source of light in every age,
the Virgin conceived and bore your Son
who is called Wonderful God, Prince of Peace.
May her prayer, the gift of a mother's love,
be your people's joy through all ages.
May her response, born of a humble heart
draw your Spirit to rest on your people.
Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen
-

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