Introduction

On January 1, the Octave Day of Christmas, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God.

It’s fitting to honor Mary’s motherhood of Jesus soon after celebrating the birth of Christ. Mary’s title “Mother of God” was adopted at the First Council of Ephesus and is a western derivation from the Greek Theotokos, “the God-bearer.” This title for Mary was given not so much to say something about Mary as to say something about Jesus: Jesus is one person, divine and human, and Mary is the mother of that one person. These are the aspects of our faith we celebrate today.

Liturgically, the Octave of Christmas also celebrates the beginning of a new year and is also a day designated for prayers for global peace. Continue reading “Jan 1, 2023: Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God (ABC)” →