BIRTH OF MARY, September 8th

BIRTH OF MARY
September 8th

A. Valentini

The present Feast forms a link between the New and the Old Testament. It shows that Truth succeeds symbols and figures and that the New Covenant replaces the Old. Hence, all creation sings with joy, exults, and participates in the joy of this day.... This is, in fact, the day on which the Creator of the world constructed His temple; today is the day on which by a stupendous project a creature becomes the preferred dwelling of the Creator" (Saint Andrew of Crete).

"Let us celebrate with joy the birth of the Virgin Mary, of whom was born the Sun of Justice.... Her birth constitutes the hope and the light of salvation for the whole world.... Her image is light for the whole Christian people" (From the Liturgy).

As these texts so clearly indicate, an atmosphere of joy and light pervades the Birth of the Virgin Mary.

1. Historical Details about the Feast

The origin of this Feast is sought in Palestine. It goes back to the consecration of a church in Jerusalem, which tradition identifies as that of the present basilica of St. Ann.

At Rome the Feast began to be kept toward the end of the 7th century, brought there by Eastern monks. Gradually and in varied ways it spread to the other parts of the West in the centuries that followed. From the 13th century on, the celebration assumed notable importance, becoming a Solemnity with a major Octave and preceded by a Vigil calling for a fast. The Octave was reduced to a simple one during the reform of St. Pius X and was abolished altogether under the reform of Pius XII in 1955.

The present Calendar characterizes the Birth of Mary as a "Feast," placing it on the same plane as the Visitation.

For some centuries now, the Birth has been assigned to September 8 both in the East and in the West, but in ancient times it was celebrated on different dates from place to place. However, when the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (which has a later origin than that of the Birth) was extended to the whole Church, the Birth little by little became assigned everywhere to September 8: nine months after the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception.

2. At the Heart of Salvation

As we know, the Gospels have not transmitted to us anything about the birth of the Virgin Mary. Their attention is completely centered on the mystery of Christ and His salvific mission.

The birth of Mary is recounted by the Protevangelium of James (5:2), an apocryphal writing from the end of the 2nd century. Subsequent tradition is based on this account.

The description - although in the manner of an apocryphal document - obviously presents an important historical event: the birth of the Mother of the Lord.

But the problem that concerns us here is the significance of this event. In the case of all the Saints, the Church commemorates their birthday on the day of their return to the Lord. However, in the cases of St. John the Baptizer and the Blessed Virgin, it also celebrates the day of their earthly birth. This is a singular fact already emphasized in ancient times, for example, by Paschasius Radbertus (d. about 859).

The reason for this fact is not found primarily in the greatness or the privileges of the persons involved but in the singular mission that was theirs in the History of Salvation. In this light, the birth of the Blessed Virgin is considered to be - like that of John the Baptizer - in direct relationship with the coming of the Savior of the world. Thus, the birth and existence of Marysimilar to and even more than those of the Baptizer - take on a significance that transcends her own person. It is explained solely in the context of the History of Salvation, connected with the People of God of the Old Covenant and the New. Mary's birth lies at the confluence of the two Testaments - bringing to an end the stage of expectation and the promises and inaugurating the new times of grace and salvation in Jesus Christ.

Mary, the Daughter of Zion and ideal personification of Israel, is the last and most worthy representative of the People of the Old Covenant but at the same time she is "the hope and the dawn of the whole world." With her, the elevated Daughter of Zion, after a long expectation of the promises, the times are fulfilled and a new economy is established (LG 55).

The birth of Mary is ordained in particular toward her mission as Mother of the Savior. Her existence is indissolubly connected with that of Christ: it partakes of a unique plan of predestination and grace. God's mysterious plan regarding the incarnation of the Word embraces also the Virgin who is His Mother. In this way, the Birth of Mary is inserted at the very heart of the History of Salvation.

3. Christological Orientations

The Biblical readings of the Feast have a clear Christological- salvific orientation that forms the backdrop for contemplating the figure of Mary.

Micah 5:1-4a. The Prophet announces the coming of the Lord of Israel who will come forth from Bethlehem of Judah. The Mother of the Messiah, presented as one about to give birth, will give life to the prince and pastor of the house of David who will bring justice and peace. She will work with the Messiah to bring forth a new people.

Romans 8.28-30. This passage does not speak directly about Mary but about the believer justified by the grace of Christ and gifted with the indwelling of the Spirit. He or she has been chosen and called from all eternity to share Christ's life and glory. This is true in a privileged manner for Mary, Spouse and Temple of the Holy Spirit, Mother of God's Son, and intimately united with Him in a Divine plan of predestination and grace.

Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23. The meaning of this seemingly and genealogy is theologically profound: to place Jesus, the MessiahLord, within the dynastic tree of His people. He is a descendant, and in fact "the descendant," of Abraham (cf. Gal 3:16) and the Patriarchs in accord with the promises, and He is the semi-heir of the Prophets. The ring that united Christ with His people is Mary, Daughter of Zion and Mother of the Lord.

The virginity stressed by the Gospel text is the sign of the Divine origin of the Son and of the absolute newness that now breaks forth in the history of human beings.

The Christological-salvific purpose and tone dominate not only the Bible readings but also the Eucharistic Celebration and the Liturgy of the Hours.

It has been observed that, although the texts of this Feast's celebration are less rich than those of other Marian feasts, they do have one outstanding characteristic: "The number of themes is rather restricted, [but] there are extremely numerous invitations to joy" (J. Pascher).

Indeed, joy pervades the whole of this Feast's liturgy. If many "will rejoice" at the birth of the precursor (cf. Lk 1:14), a much greater joy is stirred up by the birth of the Mother of the Savior. Hence, this is a Feast that serves as a prelude to the "joy to all people" brought about by the Birth of the Son of God at Christmas and expressed by the singing of hymns and carols.

Added to this theme of joy on this Marian Feast is that of light because with Mary's birth the darkness is dispersed and there rises in the world the dawn that announces the Sun of Justice, Christ the Lord.

Taken from:
Dictionary of Mary (NY: Catholic Book, 1985)
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Catholic Culture

Collect:
Father of mercy, give your people help and strength from heaven. The birth of the Virgin Mary's Son was the dawn of our salvation. May this celebration of her birthday bring us closer to lasting peace. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

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September 08, 2006

Birth of Mary

Old Calendar: Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Mary was born to be the mother of the Savior of the world, the spiritual mother of all men, and the holiest of God's creatures. Because of her Son's infinite merits, she was conceived and born immaculate and full of grace. Through her, Queen of heaven and of earth, all grace is given to men. Through her, by the will of the Trinity, the unbelieving receive the gift of faith; the afflicted are tendered the works of mercy; and the members of Christ grow in likeness of their Head. In Mary all human nature is exalted. We rejoice in her birthday, as the Church has done from the earliest times. This is one of the three birthdays in the Church Calendar — the Birth of Jesus (December 25), the Birth of John the Baptist (June 24) and the Birthday of Mary. All three were born without original sin, although Mary and Jesus were conceived without sin, and St. John was cleansed of original sin while in the womb at the Visitation of Mary.

Before the reform of the General Roman Calendar, today was also the commemoration of St. Adrian. The liturgy of Our Lady's Birthday in Rome included a procession which set out from the church of St. Adrian in the forum. It is possible that he is a martyr of Nicomedia who suffered during the Diocletian persecution.

Birth of Mary

On Our Lady's birthday the Church celebrates the first dawning of redemption with the appearance in the world of the Savior's mother, Mary. The Blessed Virgin occupies a unique place in the history of salvation, and she has the highest mission ever commended to any creature. We rejoice that the Mother of God is our Mother, too. Let us often call upon the Blessed Virgin as "Cause of our joy", one of the most beautiful titles in her litany.

Since September 8 marks the end of summer and beginning of fall, this day has many thanksgiving celebrations and customs attached to it. In the Old Roman Ritual there is a blessing of the summer harvest and fall planting seeds for this day.

The winegrowers in France called this feast "Our Lady of the Grape Harvest". The best grapes are brought to the local church to be blessed and then some bunches are attached to hands of the statue of Mary. A festive meal which includes the new grapes is part of this day.

In the Alps section of Austria this day is "Drive-Down Day" during which the cattle and sheep are led from their summer pastures in the slopes and brought to their winter quarters in the valleys. This was usually a large caravan, with all the finery, decorations, and festivity. In some parts of Austria, milk from this day and all the leftover food are given to the poor in honor of Our Lady’s Nativity.

Excerpted from The Holyday Book by Fr. Francis Weiser, SJ

Patron: All people named Mary, in any form.

Symbols: bruised serpent, sometimes encircling a globe; the lily; fleur de lis; virgin's monogram; pierced heart; crescent moon; sun and moon; starry crown; Mater Dei; rose; flowering almond; gilly flower; snow drop; hawthorn; the star; the balsam; the Ark of the Covenant; the mirror or speculum; apple; myrtle; palm, cypress and olive; closed gate; book of Wisdom; sealed book; rod of Jesse; lily of the valley; house of gold; city of God; vessel of honor; seat of wisdom.

Things to Do:

Learn prayers to Mary, such as the Angelus, Litany of Loreto, Memorare, Hail Mary, and Hail Holy Queen.
Learn and sing various hymns to Mary, such as the Salve Regina, Immaculate Mary, Hail Holy Queen. See sidebar for list of suggested hymns.
Start researching and planning a Mary Garden, or a special plant or flower for each feast day of Mary. This can be for next spring, but if some bulbs are to be included, this is the time to plant them!
Contemplate on how all the feasts of Mary point to the mysteries of Christ and our salvation history. Biblical readings: Proverbs 8:22-35 and Matthew 1:1-16 (this points to the appreciation of the heritage and family of Jesus).
Have a birthday party for Mary, with a specially decorated birthday cake and birthday decorations. Blue is the traditional color of Mary's mantle, so incorporating blue into the decor and food is quite appropriate. Try making an all white cake symbolizing Mary's purity, or cookies with white icing. White meringue cookies (or kisses) would also remind one of Mary's sinlessness. Birthday parties don't need special explanations for children. Have each child present a "gift" to their Mother Mary, such as spiritual bouquets, faults or virtues to work on, corporal works of mercy, etc. Learn to make string knot rosaries to give as "favors."
Decorate the house, family table or family altar with flowers or special Marian decor.
Eat some form of blueberries on this day, particularly in the morning -- blueberry muffins or blueberry pancakes, blueberry pie or just fresh blueberries on your cereal. The blue is symbolic of Mary's blue mantle.
Find out about the devotion to "Maria Bambina" or "Baby Mary."
Women for Faith and Family have some wonderful ideas for this feastday.

81 posted on 09/08/2006 9:00:40 AM PDT by Salvation (†With God all things are possible.†)

Well, I feel bad for Mr. Sheen...Jesus knows me personally...

Of course Jesus knows you personally, He is God and knows all of us wretched sinners personally - which BTW is precisely the reason you should rethink the benefits of having His Mother speak on your behalf. ; )

82 posted on 09/08/2006 9:09:48 AM PDT by murphE (These are days when the Christian is expected to praise every creed but his own. --G.K. Chesterton)

Please explain how the following request is "requiring" the "characteristics of God" of Mary:
Pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.

Well, let's start with omniscience (all-knowing). For Mary to hear a prayer, not to mention a multitude of simultaneous prayers, she would need the power of omniscience.

83 posted on 09/08/2006 9:11:59 AM PDT by armydoc

To: RobbyS; bigcat32

You beg the question about Sola Scripture, which asserts that the literal text of Scripture must be cited for each doctrine.

Robby you know better than that. Very few, if any, "Protestants" make such an assertion.

More like this maybe:

Augustine "Contra litteras Petiliana", (Against the Letters of Petiliana) Bk.3, ch.6:

"If anyone preaches either concerning Christ or concerning His church or concerning any other matter which pertains to our faith and life; I will not say, if we, but what Paul adds, if an angel from heaven should preach to you anything besides what you have received in the Scriptures of the Law and the Gospels, let him be anathema."

84 posted on 09/08/2006 9:33:08 AM PDT by OLD REGGIE (I am most likely a Biblical Unitarian? Let me be perfectly clear. I know nothing.)

Why? For just as sin came to us through Eve, the first woman, so salvation would come to us through the new Eve.....Mary.

And if Mary is "blessed among women" she must be superior in all ways to every other woman. Which means that if Eve was created free from sin, than Mary must also have been conceived free from sin and also lived a life free from sin. It only makes sense that the Mother of God would be superior to the mother of Cain.

85 posted on 09/08/2006 9:43:10 AM PDT by wagglebee ("We are ready for the greatest achievements in the history of freedom." -- President Bush, 1/20/05)

To: OLD REGGIE; RobbyS; bigcat32

"If anyone preaches either concerning Christ or concerning His church"

Thank you for reminding us that our Lord established One Church and that the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic has been preserved unchanged since the Resurrection. This is necessary so that the Church may guide us through traditions; because the Bible tells us "In them there are some things hard to understand that the ignorant and unstable distort to their own destruction, just as they do the other scriptures." (2 Peter 3:16)

86 posted on 09/08/2006 9:50:17 AM PDT by wagglebee ("We are ready for the greatest achievements in the history of freedom." -- President Bush, 1/20/05)

I refer to the inveterate proof texting. Give chapter and verse, they say, forgetting that until the 13th century, there were no Chapters, and until the 17th, no verses. It results from the need to make the Bible a reference book rather than what it is, a whole consisting of many parts. If only more protestants even read Augustine any more. The Reformed churches abandoned him about the same time they abandoned Calvin and with Wesley began to neglect theology and written confessions as a futile effort because it seemed to lead only to infinite division. Yes, I know there are many exceptions, but for every one who perserveres in Calvin's task, there are a hundred Joel Osteens,

87 posted on 09/08/2006 9:52:50 AM PDT by RobbyS ( CHIRHO)

St. Paul tells us that when we are united with Christ, "we will be like Him, for we will know Him as He is."

The "finish line" St. Paul spoke of was our union with Christ Jesus for all eternity in heaven. If there, we "shall be like Him, for we will know Him as He is", then surely our union with Him at the Eternal Banquet table will be one of knowing all things in Him and being present to His Presence forevermore.

If , while we are living on earth, we are asked to be Christ-like, how much more so will we be when we are with Him in heaven?

There are things to think about here.

"Brothers, you are among those called. Consider your situation."
1 Corinthians 2:26

88 posted on 09/08/2006 10:02:39 AM PDT by Running On Empty

Here is St. Paul,

But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach a gospel to you besides that which we have preached to you, let him be anathema. Galatians 1:8-9

And here is another quote from St. Augustine, to put what you quoted in the context of his thinking:

"I would not believe in the Gospel myself if the authority of the Catholic Church did not move me to do so."
Against the letter of Mani, 5,6, 397 A.D.

89 posted on 09/08/2006 10:03:02 AM PDT by murphE (These are days when the Christian is expected to praise every creed but his own. --G.K. Chesterton)

To: Running On Empty

The "finish line" St. Paul spoke of was our union with Christ Jesus for all eternity in heaven. If there, we "shall be like Him, for we will know Him as He is", then surely our union with Him at the Eternal Banquet table will be one of knowing all things in Him and being present to His Presence forevermore.

Kind of a big leap going from "we shall be like Him" to being omniscient, isn't it? If we are going to be "like Him", are we going to be omnipotent, as well? Perform miracles, have the power of creation, forgive sins?

90 posted on 09/08/2006 10:11:53 AM PDT by armydoc

To: armydoc; Running On Empty

Are you saying that the only Bibilical miracles were performed by Christ?

As far as forgiveness, you might want to reread Matthew 16:19.

As far as omniscience goes, where in Scripture is it stated that only God is omniscient?

91 posted on 09/08/2006 10:26:17 AM PDT by wagglebee ("We are ready for the greatest achievements in the history of freedom." -- President Bush, 1/20/05)

Happy Feast Day! Here is the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, also known as the Litany of Loreto.

This beautiful litany can be recited alone, or after praying the rosary, particularly during the month of May, dedicated to Mary. A partial indulgence is attached to those who pray this litany.

Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

Christ, hear us.

Christ, graciously hear us.

God, the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.

God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.

God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, pray for us.

Holy Mother of God, pray for us.

Holy Virgin of virgins, pray for us.

Mother of Christ, pray for us.

Mother of divine grace, pray for us.

Mother most pure, pray for us.

Mother most chaste, pray for us.

Mother inviolate, pray for us.

Mother undefiled, pray for us.

Mother most amiable, pray for us.

Mother most admirable, pray for us.

Mother of good counsel, pray for us.

Mother of our Creator, pray for us.

Mother of our Savior, pray for us.

Virgin most prudent, pray for us.

Virgin most venerable, pray for us.

Virgin most renowned, pray for us.

Virgin most powerful, pray for us.

Virgin most merciful, pray for us.

Virgin most faithful, pray for us.

Mirror of justice, pray for us.

Seat of wisdom, pray for us.

Cause of our joy, pray for us.

Spiritual vessel, pray for us.

Vessel of honor, pray for us.

Singular vessel of devotion, pray for us.

Mystical rose, pray for us.

Tower of David, pray for us.

Tower of ivory, pray for us.

House of gold, pray for us.

Ark of the covenant, pray for us.

Gate of heaven, pray for us.

Morning star, pray for us.

Health of the sick, pray for us.

Refuge of sinners, pray for us.

Comforter of the afflicted, Help of Christians, pray for us.

Queen of Angels, pray for us.

Queen of Patriarchs, pray for us.

Queen of Prophets, pray for us.

Queen of Apostles, pray for us.

Queen of Martyrs, pray for us.

Queen of Confessors, pray for us.

Queen of Virgins, pray for us.

Queen of all Saints, pray for us.

Queen conceived without original sin, pray for us.

Queen assumed into heaven, pray for us.

Queen of the most holy Rosary, pray for us.

Queen of Peace, pray for us.

Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord!.

Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord!

Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. .

V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.

R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray. Grant, we beg you, O Lord God, that we your servants, may enjoy lasting health of mind and body, and by the glorious intercession of the Blessed Mary, ever Virgin, be delivered from present sorrow and enter into the joy of eternal happiness. Through Christ our Lord.

R. Amen.

92 posted on 09/08/2006 10:43:14 AM PDT by Carolina

Wonderful litany, thanks.

93 posted on 09/08/2006 10:45:47 AM PDT by wagglebee ("We are ready for the greatest achievements in the history of freedom." -- President Bush, 1/20/05)

Also, it's Day Two of the Novena of the Our Lady of Sorrows

Prayer in honour of the Second Sorrow of Mary

Most holy and sorrowful Virgin,
sorrow filled your motherly heart when you saw your divine Son hated by Herod
and you had to flee with him to Egypt, to save him.
I wish to join with you in this sorrow
and ask you, O Queen of Martyrs, to obtain for me
the grace to avoid all the temptations of my enemies
on the difficult road to heaven.
Hail Mary…

Then pray the Prayer to our Sorrowful Mother for a particular grace

O most holy and afflicted Virgin, Queen of Martyrs, who stood on Mount Calvary when your Son was in agony: by the sword of sorrow which pierced your heart, by the sufferings of your whole life on earth, by your unspeakable joy in Heaven; look down with maternal pity and tenderness as I kneel before you to sympathise with your sorrows, and to place my petition, with childlike confidence, in your wounded heart.

I beg of you, dear Mother, to plead for me with your divine Son, since he can refuse you nothing, and, through the merits of his most sacred Passion and Death, together with your own suffering at the foot of his Cross, so to move his Sacred Heart that I may obtain this request…. To whom shall I go in my need and misery, if not to you, O Mother most merciful, you who pity us poor exiles still sighing in this valley of tears? Offer to Jesus for us but one drop of his most precious blood, but one pang of his loving heart; remind him that you are our life, our sweetness and our hope, and your prayer on my behalf will be heard. Amen.

Then pray The Memorare

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help or sought your intercession, was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto you, O Virgin of Virgins, my Mother. To you do I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your clemency, hear and answer me. Amen.

94 posted on 09/08/2006 10:48:38 AM PDT by Carolina

Prayer to Maria Bambina (Baby Mary)

Hail, Infant Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou forever, and blessed are thy holy parents Joachim and Anne, of whom thou wast miraculously born. Mother of God, intercede for us.

We fly to thy patronage, holy and amiable Child Mary, despise not our prayers in our necessities, but deliver us from all dangers, glorious and blessed Virgin.

V. Pray for us, holy Child Mary.

R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us Pray: O almighty and merciful God, Who through the cooperation of the Holy Ghost, didst prepare the body and soul of the Immaculate Infant Mary that she might be the worthy Mother of Thy Son, and didst preserve her from all stain, grant that we who venerate with all our hearts her most holy childhood, may be freed, through her merits and intercession, from all uncleanness of mind and body, and be able to imitate her perfect humility, obedience and charity. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

95 posted on 09/08/2006 10:51:01 AM PDT by Carolina

"But the fact that she asks her Son, Jesus, for favoros IS BIBLICAL."

I agree with you.

96 posted on 09/08/2006 10:56:25 AM PDT by bigcat32

Ave Maria Dear

1. Ave Maria dear, garden of roses fair,
Thornless white lily of Jesse's race.
At Angelus I greet with Gabriel's words so sweet:
Ave Maria, full of all grace.

2. Thou hast the Father's Son, Maria, Purest one,
In thy chaste womb given protection,
Jesus the Holy Child, Who sinners all defiled
Himself has saved from their destruction.

3. Therefore, O Mother mild, pray for us to thy Child,
Ask that our sins may be forgiven:
After this life of tears, Maria, through thy prayers,
gain us eternal joys of heaven.

97 posted on 09/08/2006 10:57:56 AM PDT by Carolina

"How is asking the Mother of God to pray for US construed as praying to Her? Haven't you ever asked someone to pray for you?"

Of course I have, to their face. I don't ask my father, who died last year, to pray for me.

98 posted on 09/08/2006 10:58:37 AM PDT by bigcat32

I'm just trying to explain to someone why other denominations "rip on" Catholics. I'm not trying to ruin a "birthday party"!!

99 posted on 09/08/2006 11:00:27 AM PDT by bigcat32

You referred to "omniscience" and I answered about omniscience.

I didn't answer about omnipotence.

Nor did St. Paul refer to omnipotence, but he did to omniscience.

Maybe you can help me with that.

100 posted on 09/08/2006 11:01:20 AM PDT by Running On Empty

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