Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! January 1 is a special day in the Catholic Church of the Western rite, dedicated to honoring Mary as the Mother of God. This feast, known as the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God, highlights the deep connection between devotion to Mary and the worship of Jesus Christ. Mary’s unique role in salvation history invites us to reflect on her example of faith, trust, and love.
The Church celebrates Mary as the Mother of God for bearing the Son of God in her womb and giving birth to the Child Jesus. This fact, rooted in Scripture, is a cornerstone of Christian faith. As Galatians 4:4 states, “God sent his Son, born of a woman,” emphasizing Mary’s role in the Incarnation. Her acceptance of God’s will, expressed in her humble words, “I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38), inspires us to say “yes” to God in our own lives.
Mother of God and the Incarnation
The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, falls on the eighth day after Christmas, marking the end of the Christmas Octave. This timing is significant, as it ties devotion to Mary directly to the celebration of Christ’s birth. Pope Paul VI formalized this time of the celebration in 1974 in the famous exhortation, Marialis Cultus, which discusses devotion to Mary and its connection to the worship of God.
Just as we honor Mary, we are drawn deeper into the mystery of the Incarnation—God becoming man to redeem the world. Through her “yes,” Mary is not only the Mother of God but also a model of discipleship for all believers.
Mary’s role in the Church’s liturgical life extends beyond January 1. Other solemnities honor her contributions to salvation history. They include the Annunciation on March 25, when the angel Gabriel announced that she would become the mother of Jesus. The Assumption, celebrated on August 15, commemorates Mary being taken into heaven, body, and soul. It is a sign of hope for all believers. The Immaculate Conception on December 8 celebrates Mary’s preservation from original sin. The feasts highlights the divine grace on Mary, preparing her to be the perfect vessel for Christ’s birth.
Christ-Centered Devotion
Pope Paul VI emphasized that devotion to Mary always leads us to worship her Son, Jesus. In his document Marialis Cultus, he highlighted how the Church’s veneration of Mary is deeply connected to the celebration of Christ’s mysteries. By honoring Mary, we deepen our adoration of Jesus and grow closer to Him. This balance ensures that our devotion to Mary remains Christ-centered.
The Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God, is also a fitting way to begin the new year. As we honor Mary’s divine motherhood, we pray for peace in our hearts, homes, and the world. January 1 is also the Church’s World Day of Peace. It reminds us to follow Mary’s example of humility and faith as we seek God’s guidance for the year ahead.
Mary’s life teaches us how to trust God and live in service to His will. By reflecting on her example, we are inspired to worship God in our lives and share His blessings with others.
Blessings of the New Year
Therefore, I encourage you, dear reader, to ask the Lord, born of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to bless your days throughout this year. It’s how I do it, and I find in the ritual unimaginable spiritual richness. I can’t count the blessings flowing from this close bond with the Lord through Mary, his mother, and our mother.
May peace reign in your heart, home, and community. May you hear God’s whispers guiding you in all areas of your life as you strive to honor Him and inspire others to do the same.
To conclude, I leave you with the words of the priestly blessing from Numbers 6:24–26: “The Lord bless you and keep you!” Amen. May “The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you!” Amen. “The Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace!” Amen.
To explore this topic further, read my full article at revemelu.com. May Mary, the Mother of God, guide you closer to her Son. Amen. May the Good Lord “supply all that you need according to His richness in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19) this 2025. Amen.
[Readings: Numbers 6:22-27; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:16-21]
