Jan-1: Feast of the Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God
Jan-1: Feast of the Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God We close out the Christmas octave (the eight days of Christmastide following the birth of Christ) with a day honouring the Solemnity of Mary as the Mother of God (from the Greek Theotókos ), our Lady's greatest title. Mother Mary has been called "Theotokos", or "God-Bearer". This title reflected an effort to preserve the teaching of the Church that Jesus was both Divine and human, that the two natures were united in His One Person. In the Annunciation by the divine messenger of God, he says to her: Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you" (Lk. 1:28). And continues saying, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High" (Lk. 1:30-32). Collect prayer: O God, who through the fruitful virginity of Blessed Mary bestowed on the ...