January 1
Mary, Mother of God
Solemnity
Roman Martyrology
Solemnity of Saint Mary, Mother of God, on the octave day of the Lord’s Nativity and on the day of his Circumcision. The Fathers of the Council of Ephesus acclaimed her as Theotokos, because in her the Word became flesh and dwelt among men: the Son of God, Prince of Peace, whose name is above every other name.
Practical advice
Today, give a generous “yes” to that duty you find difficult, as Mary responded to God’s plan.
Biography
Since the Second Vatican Council, this solemnity has been celebrated to emphasize Mary’s place in the Incarnation and Redemption of Christ and, as such, her role as a model of the Church. Pope John Paul II’s Encyclical “Redemptoris Mater” (25 March 1987) states that “the Mother of the Redeemer has a precise place in the plan of salvation.” The truth of Mary’s divine motherhood was solemnly confirmed as a dogma of the Church’s faith at the Council of Ephesus in 431. Mary is the Mother of God, the Theotokos, because by the power of the Holy Spirit she conceived Jesus Christ in her womb, the Son of God, consubstantial with the Father.
The Encyclical “Marialis Cultus,” placing this restored feast within the Christmas season, says that, “assigned to the first day of January in conformity with the ancient indication of the liturgy of the City of Rome, [it] is meant to commemorate the part played by Mary in this mystery of salvation. It is meant also to exalt the singular dignity which this mystery brings to the ‘holy Mother… through whom we were found worthy to receive the Author of life.’” It continues: “It is likewise a fitting occasion for renewing adoration of the newborn Prince of Peace, for listening once more to the glad tidings of the angels (cf. Lk 2:14), and for imploring from God, through the Queen of Peace, the supreme gift of peace. It is for this reason that, in the happy concurrence of the Octave of Christmas and the first day of the year, we have instituted the World Day of Peace, an occasion that is gaining increasing support and already bringing forth fruits of peace in the hearts of many.” SOLEMNITY.