Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 1:1-5 The Kinds of Monks

Mass: Mich 5:1-4a or Rm 8:28-30; Resp Ps 13; Mt 1:1-16, 18-23

With delight I rejoice in the Lord.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MOTHER, PIERCED BY THE SWORD,

PRAY FOR US.

Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary.

Of her was born Jesus who is called the Messiah.

(Mt 1:16)

Welcome to the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. "Today the Virgin is born, tended and formed, and prepared for her role as Mother of God, who is the universal King of the ages ... Therefore, let all creation sing and dance and unite to make worthy contribution to the celebration of this day" (From a discourse by Saint Andrew of Crete, bishop, in Office of Readings, September 8). 

Mary! What is a name? A name is the song you sing when you see someone coming! 

"Mary!" That word expresses so many things ... If only I knew how to write about it! ... But then, I'd never stop ...

Affection for the Virgin is so loving and consoling. It makes me sad when people don't know her or love her. Her, even just a little bit ...! Even so, my dear brother, what Christian is there, even the most lukewarm of all, who doesn't think of the Virgin Mary at some point in life?

(Saint Rafael Arnaiz, 1911-1938, in The Collected Works: Saint Rafael Arnaiz)

ALL THINGS WORK FOR GOOD FOR THOSE WHO LOVE GOD, WHO ARE CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE.

(Rm 8:28)

Given Mary, how could you not love God!!! ... How great God is! And how sweet is Mary!

(Saint Rafael Arnaiz).

May Our Lady console all mothers, and all mothers who are afflicted with the suffering of their children.

(Pope Francis, General Audience Catechesis, September 7, 2022)

MARY, QUEEN OF MOTHERS,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: For all mothers and their children too. Let me sing of the Lord.

© Gertrude Feick 2022