Today we celebrate a feast that was originally celebrated in
Spain in 1513, though honor for the holy name of Mary extends to the early
church, and to the angels themselves. The feast of the holy name of Mary was dropped
from the liturgical calendar in 1969, but was reestablished by Pope John Paul
II.
The Church celebrates the memorial of the Holy Name of Mary
shortly after her birthday on September 8, just like we celebrate the Feast of
the Holy Name of Jesus shortly after Christmas.
In accordance with Jewish custom Our Lady’s parents named
her eight days after her birth.
In the litany of the divine praises, which we pray at
benediction, the church proclaims, “Blessed be the name of Mary, Virgin and
Mother”.
We show honor to the name of Mary, because no doubt, Our
Lord himself honored his mother. And so
we honor the name of our mother, Mary, mother of all Christians, holiest of
creatures, the queen of heaven earth.
When we pronounce her name, we affirm her power, we implore
her aid, and place ourselves under her protection. And we should pronounce her name, often: in
times of temptation to seek her aid in confronting sin; in times of trial and
difficulty to seek her help and prayers in bearing our cross; and like a child
pointing out something delightful or beautiful to his mother, pronouncing her
name in times of joy and thanksgiving throughout the day. When we speak her name with love, we imitate
our Lord Jesus.
The directives for the liturgy instruct us to bow our heads
in reverence at the name of Jesus, at the name of Mary, and at the name of the
Saint of the Day when they are mentioned in the prayers of the liturgy.
It is a privilege to know and to be able to call upon with
Love the name of Mary. At her name
demons flee and angels rejoice.
When Jesus was dying on the cross, he gave Mary to us to be
our mother. May all who call upon the
holy name of Mary, our mother, have confidence in her protection and receive
comfort and strength for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
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