January 1

Solemnity of

MARY, MOTHER OF GOD

This Solemnity bookends the "Octave of Christmas." How appropriate to be honouring Our Lady as God's Mother on this day, eight days after we celebrate the birth of her Son.

It is a holy day of obligation (Mass attendance), as well.

Did you know?

We take it for granted that Mary is God's Mother, but in 431AD, the Church debated Mary's role in God's salvation history. They discerned that she is indeed the Mother of God.

This is the oldest hymn (prayer) we have to the "Theotokos."

A family tradition...

Learn the word Theotokos, the Greek for Mother of God.

If you are interested in some fascinating academia, this article on ancient Christian traditions regarding the Theotokos is worth your effort.

Read the Gospel passage John 19:25-27 in which Jesus, on the cross, gives Mary to John as his mother, and John to Mary as her son.