Significance of the Feast
The Feast of the Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary, celebrated on September 12th, honors the name of Mary, the mother of Jesus. This feast highlights the reverence and love that Christians have for Mary and her special role in salvation history. It invites the faithful to reflect on the virtues and the maternal care of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Historical Background
The feast was originally celebrated in Spain in 1513, and it was extended to the universal Church by Pope Innocent XI in 1683. This extension was in gratitude for the victory of Christian forces over the Ottoman Empire at the Battle of Vienna, which was attributed to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The feast was removed from the liturgical calendar in 1969 but was restored by Pope John Paul II in 2002.
The Name of Mary
The name "Mary" holds great significance in Christian tradition. It is derived from the Hebrew name "Miryam," which has various interpretations, including "bitterness," "beloved," or "bitter sea." Despite its humble origins, the name of Mary is venerated for its association with the mother of Jesus, who is revered as the Theotokos, or God-bearer. The name is a reminder of Mary's unique role in God's plan of salvation and her profound humility and obedience to God's will.
Devotion to the Holy Name of Mary
Devotion to the Holy Name of Mary is deeply rooted in the Christian tradition. The name of Mary is invoked in prayers, hymns, and litanies, reflecting the deep love and respect that the faithful have for her. The Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, also known as the Litany of Loreto, includes multiple invocations of her holy name, seeking her intercession and maternal care.
Liturgical Celebration
The liturgy for the Feast of the Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary includes readings and prayers that emphasize Mary's role in the Incarnation and her unique relationship with Jesus. The readings often highlight Mary's humility, her obedience to God's will, and her role as a model of faith for all Christians.
Marian Devotion
The feast is an opportunity for the faithful to deepen their devotion to Mary, reflecting on her virtues and seeking her intercession. Many Catholics celebrate this feast by praying the Rosary, participating in Marian processions, and reciting the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is a time to honor Mary for her constant maternal care and her powerful intercession on behalf of the Church and the world.
Legacy and Inspiration
The Feast of the Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary encourages the faithful to honor Mary's name with reverence and love. It serves as a reminder of her important role in salvation history and her ongoing intercession for all who call upon her. The feast inspires Christians to emulate Mary's virtues of humility, obedience, and faithfulness to God.
May the celebration of the Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary inspire us to deepen our devotion to her, to honor her name with reverence, and to seek her intercession in all aspects of our lives.
For more, visit catholicconcepts.com/saints.
