Nativity of our Blessed Mother

A Happy and Joyous Birthday to the Blessed Virgin Mary! There are not that many birthdays that the Catholic Church celebrates. In fact, there are only three: The Birth of our Lord, the birth of John the Baptist, and the birth of Mary. Here are a couple quotes from our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, "The Church always argued that it was premature to celebrate a birthday because the rest of the life of the person born on that day was subject to such ambiguity. The birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary is an exquisite exception since 'her soul was the space from which God was able to gain access into humanity'" (Magnificat, 104). In celebrating the birthday of our Blessed Mother, we also celebrate those who had a role in salvation history. They are the ones who said "YES" to God's will and allowed the saving plan of God to unfold. As we hear in the opening prayer, "The birth of the Virgin Mary's Son was dawn of our salvation. May this celebration of her birthday bring us closer to lasting peace" (105). Let us make this prayer our own as we thank God and rejoice in the presence of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We trust in her prayers and intercessions and we know that she will guide us along the path of life and faith with her maternal hand. When our journey is complete, may she present us to her divine Son with the hope of living in eternal peace and happiness forever! Have a blessed day!!!