Commemoration of the Most Holy Name of Mary

The meaning of the celebration

+ The liturgical commemoration of the name of Mary dates to 1513 when it was first celebrated in Spain. 

+ The celebration of the Most Holy Name of Mary was extended to the Universal Church after King John III Sobieski of Poland defeated the forces of the Ottoman Empire as they were preparing to invade Vienna, Austria. Before the battle, he entrusted himself and his troops to the Blessed Virgin. 

+ This celebration of the Mother of God is a compliment to the celebration of the Most Holy Name of Jesus (January 3). Pope Saint John Paul II re-inserted both celebrations into the Universal Calendar of the Church in 2002. 

+ This celebration reminds us of Mary’s special role as an intercessor for all people of faith. The entrance antiphon for the Mass for today’s commemoration declares: 

Blessed are you, O Virgin Mary, by the Lord God Most High,
above all women on the earth;
for he has so exalted your name,
that your praise shall be undying on our lips.

For prayer and reflection

“Mary helps us to open our hearts to God’s ways, wherever they may lead us. Honored under the title ‘Queen of Peace,’ Mary encourages us to cooperate with Jesus in building a peace based on justice, a peace that respects the fundamental human rights (including religious rights) of all people.”—Enzo Lodi, Saints of the Roman Calendar

Spiritual bonus

On this day we also remember Saint Eanswith (or Eanswythe). The daughter of King Eadbald of Kent, she is credited with founding Folkestone Priory, one of the first convents in England. Saint Eanswith died around the year 640. 

Prayer

Grant, we pray, almighty God,
that, for all who celebrate the glorious Name
of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
she may obtain your merciful favor.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(from The Roman Missal)
Saint profiles prepared by Fr. Silas Henderson, S.D.S.