For many years, about 200 years actually in our own country, Mary was the most, or nearly the most popular name for baby girls. Around 1970 the name slipped out of the top 10, and starting in about 2009, Mary is no longer even in the top 100. No doubt this trend corresponds to a decline in the practice of the Catholic faith—which upholds such reverence for Mary, and loves and invokes her fair name.
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… 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," says St. Methodius, 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 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 my 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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That Pope Francis and all members of the Church, like the Virgin Mary, may magnify the goodness of God through word and deed.
That those in need of repentance will call upon the holy names of Jesus and Mary for help.
That all Christians may find in Mary the example and strength to carry out our individual vocation, for the sanctification of all families, and the protection of all young people from the evils of error and sin.
For those who suffer any sort of trial, illness, addiction or trial: that the help of Our Lady, queen of heaven and earth, may fill them with the grace needed to carry their crosses with faith and hope
For the deceased members of our family and friends, for all of the poor souls in purgatory…
We pray, O Lord our God, that the Virgin Mary, who merited to bear God and man in her chaste womb, may commend the prayers of your faithful in your sight. Through Christ our Lord.
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