09/08/2026
Happy Birthday Blessed Virgin Mary!
On September 8th, the Church observes the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, commemorating her birth as an important piece of our salvation history. Mary's was born to become the mother of the world's Savior, the spiritual mother of all people, and the holiest of God's creations. She was immaculately conceived and born full of grace, without sin after much prayer from her parents Saints Joachim and Ann.
As the Queen of heaven and earth, she channels grace to mankind and intercedes for us at the throne of her son through her motherly love and care for us.
Traditionally, this day marks the end of summer and start of fall, leading to various thanksgiving celebrations. For instance, in France, it's "Our Lady of the Grape Harvest," while in the Austrian Alps, it's "Drive-Down Day," when livestock is brought from pastures to valleys. Here in New Orleans, we have many churches named in her honor, under her many titles, and perhaps we could consider offering a prayer of gratitude to Mary today for all the times she has prayed for us, and a prayer of thanksgiving for her yes!
