Feast days hold an important place in the Catholic faith as it offers a way to celebrate our church’s beliefs and honor the life and teachings of the Saints. One such noteworthy feast day is “The Holy Name of Mary,” honoring the name of Mary – the mother of Jesus Christ. This feast day, celebrated on September 12th, embodies a unique religious significance, and it has been celebrated for centuries.
The Holy Name of Mary’s origins can be traced back to 1683 when Pope Innocent XI associated the name of Mary with the triumph over the Turks. The pope raised the feast day to September 12th and allowed it to be celebrated on that day by the universal Church.
The name Mary means “star of the sea,” a phrase that has been adapted into various hymns in Catholic music. Mary’s role is significant as the mother of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and also as a model of faith to all Catholics worldwide.
Throughout the years, the feast of the Holy Name of Mary has been celebrated in different ways, depending on different cultures and local religion. In countries like Spain, the day is celebrated with a torchlight procession on the night of September 11th.
In today’s church rituals, the name of Mary is mentioned in various prayers and songs, highlighting her significance in the Catholic faith. One such prayer is the Hail Mary (recited in the Rosary), which consists of a praise of Mary and of Jesus, her son. Praying to Mary and the Saints is an essential means of communicating with God and seeking help.
The Feast of the Holy Name of Mary represents the reverence and admiration we hold for the Blessed Virgin Mary. Through this feast day, we can reflect on Mary’s life and teachings and strengthen our connection with God. Mary’s devotion to God serves as an inspiration and model, urging us to follow her virtuous lead. As we celebrate this feast day on September 12th, let us remember the importance of Mary and how her faith has touched the lives of many.