08/09/2026
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Today, the Church celebrates the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This day is important due to Mary’s vital role in salvation history. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (paragraph 489) says,
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. St. Alphonsus de Liguori believed that Mary, who was born a great saint, possessed the most beautiful soul ever created by God.
Mary was conceived and born in the normal way. According to a pious tradition, Mary's parents, Sts Anne and Joachim, had been infertile throughout their married lives. In a manner reminiscent of Sarah, as noted in Genesis 21:2, and Elizabeth, as recounted in Luke 1, St. Anne also conceived Mary in her older age. However, having been justified at her conception (the Immaculate Conception), rather than in the womb as John the Baptist (Luke 1:41), or by Baptism, as we are, she was born "full of grace" (Luke 1:28)that corresponded to her dignity as the Mother of God and that she surpassed all the Saints and Angels in sanctity even at the moment of her Immaculate Conception Mary grew in this gift of God by her cooperation without sinning to the end of her life.
The Church considers the day a saint dies as their "birthday" because it is the day they leave their earthly life and are reborn into eternal life in heaven. However, there are three exceptions to this rule, namely Jesus, Mary, and St. John the Baptist, whose natural births are celebrated by the Church. The Church commemorates Mary's birthday on September 8, precisely nine months after the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, which falls on December 8. It's important to note that the Church does not make any historical claims regarding the accuracy of these dates. Instead, they are chosen for liturgical significance, evoking the spiritual mysteries connected to Mary, similar to the symbolic nine-month period between the Annunciation and Christmas on the calendar.
Mary is a source of joy for the Father, who was delighted with her as His masterpiece. She is a source of joy for the Son, who saw in her the tabernacle, where He would take flesh to save the world for the Father. She is the ultimate joy of the Holy Spirit, who found in her His most chaste and faithful spouse, upon whom He would descend to form Christ.
Prayer
Holy Virgin Mary, there is none like you among women born in the world. Daughter and handmaid of the heavenly Father, the almighty King, Mother of our most high Lord Jesus Christ, and Spouse of the Holy Spirit, pray for us to your most holy Son, our Lord and Master. Hail, holy Lady, most noble Queen, Mother of God, and Mary ever Virgin. You were chosen by the heavenly Father, who has been pleased to honor you with the presence of his most holy Son and the Divine Paraclete. You were blessed with the fullness of grace and goodness. Hail, Temple of God, his dwelling place, his masterpiece, his handmaid. Hail, Mother of God, I venerate you for the holy virtues that–through the grace and light of the Holy Spirit–you bring into the hearts of your devoted ones to change them from unfaithful Christians to faithful children of God. Amen. (St. Francis of Assisi)
