[jocon307]

"Holy Mary, the Mother of God (octave day of Christmas, Jan. 1)"

I thought this was originally the feast of the circumcision (OK, pretty sure I spelled that wrong, I used to call it the feast of the bris), and then later it became "world peace day" (bleh!). When did it become "Holy Mary, the Mother of God" feast, and why ISN'T is a holy day of obligation all of a sudden?

Let me repeat what I just said on another, totally unrelated, thread. THINGS ARE MOVING TOO FAST FOR ME THESE DAYS!

[narses]

I know, it is.

[siunevada]

I went to the bishops' website looking for some clues:

Topic: Home > Liturgy > Liturgical Calendar

No documents in topic.

Thanks guys, good work!

(Maybe they are out working on making things even more 'relevant'. Lord, preserve us from liturgists!)

Then I went to New Advent and looked at the Feast of the Circumcision from the old Encyclopedia. Yes, it was called that in our youth and the name has been changed. But, even in the old days, Mary was included:

"Today, also, while in both Missal and Breviary the feast bears the title "In Circumcisione Domini et Octav Nativitatis", the prayers have special reference to the Blessed Virgin, and in the Office, the responses and antiphons set forth her privileges and extol her wonderful prerogatives. The psalms for Vespers are those appointed for her feasts, and the antiphons and hymn of Lauds keep her constantly in view."

[netmilsmom]

It was explained to me that the reason why the title was changed was twofold.

First, celebrating the bris opened uncomfortable questions from children. I don't really have a problem with this, as my girls are four and seven so I would be getting the questions.

Second, and this is the most important, in Jewish society the bris happens at the same time that a woman is allowed to go back to temple after giving birth. She is considered "Clean" again.

I don't know if any of this is right but it makes sense to me.

[Salvation]

Correct -- It used to be the Feast of the Circumcision of Christ.