THE FEASTS OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY occupy a special place in the liturgical year. Not only is Mary a model of virtue, as is every saint, but through her holy life, she played an essential role in the saving works of Christ. She conceived and gave birth to Jesus, shared in His life and ministry, remained by the foot of the cross, witnessed to His resurrection and received the gift of the Holy Spirit along with the apostles at Pentecost. She was assumed into heaven body and soul and continues to be a part of her Son’s saving work by interceding for us, praying that we may each grow in holiness and one day join her and her Son in heaven.
We honor Mary and pray to her throughout the year, but we do so in a special way on these three days: January 1, the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God; August 15, the Assumption of Mary; and December 8, the Immaculate Conception. These days focus on three of the most significant aspects of Mary’s holy life: her role as the Mother of God, her assumption into heaven, and her preservation from all stain of original sin (that with which we are born as a result of Adam and Eve’s rebellion in Eden). Each offers us an opportunity to reflect on her sanctity and virtues, as well as her agency in bringing all of God’s people closer to her Son, Jesus.
These holy days of obligation trace their origins to the year 431 and the Council of Ephesus, which officially recognized Mary as Theotokos (“Mother of God”). Following that pronouncement, many feast days dedicated to Mary were added to the liturgical calendar. In particular, the date chosen for the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, has an interesting history.
In ancient Rome, January 1 was a day dedicated to the god Janus, who is often depicted as facing simultaneously in two directions: toward the old year and the new. His day was marked by feasting and riotous celebrations. To contrast with these pagan festivities, the early Christian church observed January 1 with fasting and penance.
Writing to Christians in the early fifth century, Saint Augustine said, “Let them give new year’s gifts; you should give alms! Let them sing boisterous songs; you should open your hearts to the word of God! Let them rush to the theater; you should rush to the church!” It is hardly a surprise, however, to learn that many people were more drawn to feasting than fasting. After the Council of Ephesus, therefore, the Church decided to step back from the day of penance and instead redirect the new year’s celebratory spirit toward a more noble purpose: a feast in honor of Mary, the Mother of God.
For centuries, Christians have sought ways to honor Mary as a model of virtue and to ask for her intercession. The liturgical year is a powerful means by which we can enter more deeply into the Paschal Mystery of Christ by recalling the unique role of Mary in her Son’s life and in our lives every day.