Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Feast Day: January 1

“And Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart.” – Luke 2:19

The Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, is celebrated every year on January 1st, honoring Mary under her most important title — Mother of God. This feast invites the faithful to begin the new year by reflecting on Mary’s role in the mystery of the Incarnation and her importance as Mother of Jesus and Mother of the Church. It is one of the oldest and most important Marian feast days in the Church.

Honoring the Mother of God

The title Mother of God — in Greek, Theotokos, meaning God-bearer — was formally proclaimed by the Church at the Council of Ephesus in 431 A.D. This declaration defended the truth of the Incarnation: that Jesus is fully God and fully man, one divine Person with two natures. By calling Mary the Mother of God, the Church proclaims that the child she bore is truly God Himself in the flesh.

This solemnity reminds us that through her humble “yes” to God, Mary cooperated in His plan of salvation. Her motherhood was not only a gift to Christ but also a gift to all the faithful, as she became our spiritual mother through her Son.

Rooted in Scripture and Faith

The Gospel of Luke describes Mary as a woman of deep reflection and faith: “And Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart” (Luke 2:19). Her quiet strength and faithful obedience serve as a model for all Christians.

Celebrated on the Octave of Christmas, this feast continues the joyful reflection on the mystery of the Incarnation. It invites us to contemplate the infant Jesus in the arms of His mother and to meditate on the profound reality that God became man through her.

Patroness of the Church and Model of Faith

Mary, under the title Mother of God, is also the Patroness of the Universal Church. Throughout the centuries, Catholics have turned to her as a mother, asking for her intercession, protection, and guidance. Her maternal care extends to all the faithful, as she continues to lead souls closer to her Son.

In many countries, this feast day is a Holy Day of Obligation, inviting the faithful to begin the year by attending Mass and entrusting the coming year to the maternal care of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

A Mother for All Christians

The Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, invites us to entrust ourselves to her maternal care and to follow her example of faith, humility, and obedience. As Jesus gave her to the disciple at the foot of the Cross (John 19:26–27), He gave her to each of us as our spiritual mother.

As we honor Mary on this feast day, we are reminded of her unfailing love, her perfect discipleship, and her powerful intercession. Mary always points us toward Jesus and encourages us to deepen our faith in Him.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us!