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On September 8, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Nativity of Mary, precisely nine months after the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (December 8). This year, the feast isn’t on the liturgical calendar since it lands on Sunday. However, we can still remember our Blessed Mother's birthday today.

The Church honors only three births in her liturgical calendar: the Nativity of Our Lord (December 25), the Nativity of St. John the Baptist (June 24), and the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (September 8). These are the three principal figures connected to the Incarnation and the Redemption. Little is known of Mary’s birth, other than the fact that she was born to Joachim and Anne, who were advanced in years. Because Mary was destined to be the Mother of God from all eternity, it was necessary that she be conceived without the slightest stain of original sin – a womb suitable for the birth of the Son of God.

How can we honor the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary? Consider two practical suggestions: meditating on Scriptural passages that underscore her role in salvation history – such as the Annunciation, the Visitation, and the Wedding Feast at Cana – and contemplating her life by devotedly praying the Holy Rosary.

Please read our special page dedicated to the Nativity of Mary, where we answer questions such as:javascript:mctmp(0);

•What is the significance of the Nativity of Mary?

•Why is the birth of Mary important to the Church?

•How was Mary born?