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.
Richard of St. Laurence, a 13th century French
theologian states "there is no such powerful help in any name, nor is
there any other name given to men, after that of Jesus, from which so much
salvation is poured forth upon men as from the name of Mary." He
continues, "that the devout invocation of this sweet and holy name leads
to the acquisition of superabundant graces.”
"Thy name, O Mother of God, is filled with divine
graces and blessings," as St. Methodius says. So much so, that St. Bonaventure
declares, "that thy name, O Mary, cannot be pronounced without bringing
some grace to him who does so devoutly."
Additionally, Thomas of Kempis affirms "that the devils
fear the Queen of heaven to such a degree, that only on hearing her great name
pronounced, they fly from him who does so as from a burning fire." The
Blessed Virgin herself revealed to St. Bridget "that there is not on earth
a sinner, however devoid he may be of the love of God, from whom the devil is
not obliged immediately to fly, if he invokes her holy name with a
determination to repent."
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.
When we pronounce her name, we affirm her power, we implore
her aid, and place ourselves under her protection. As she said “Yes” to God in full freedom and
love, she helps us to do the same.
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.
May all come to have confidence in calling upon the holy
name of Mary, to seek her protection and receive comfort and strength in the
Christian life for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
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