The Church's celebration of Mary's birth probably began at some point in the Sixth Century, possibly earlier. The Eastern Church begins its liturgical year every September and chose that month as the beginning of Mary's life on earth. With nine months as the traditionally understood time of pregnancy, September 8 determined the date for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception on December 8.
Scripture does not tell us anything about the birth of Mary. However, the somewhat fictional Protoevangelium of James, while being rather dubious, possibly fills in the gap. While this work has no historical value, it shows us some of Christian piety's early development. According to this account, Mary's parents, Anna and Joachim, prayed for a child and received the promise of a child who would be an active participant in God's salvation plan. Much like many biblical stories, this one stresses God's remarkable presence in Mary's life from its beginning.
Saint Augustine connected Mary's birth with the salvific mission of Jesus. He said, “She is the flower of the field from whom bloomed the precious lily of the valley. Through her birth, the nature inherited from our first parents is changed.” Indeed, her life and her cooperation with the plan of God opened the way for the one who would change our sinful nature forever, in this life and the next.+
Homily for Wednesday after Epiphany
Homily for the Memorial of St. John Neumann
Homily for the Memorial of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
Homily for the Epiphany of the LORD
Homily for the Memorial of Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen
Homily for the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
Homily for the 7th Day in the Octave of Christmas
Homily for the 6th Day in the Octave of Christmas
Homily for the 5th Day in the Octave of Christmas
Homily for the Feast of the Holy Innocents
Homily for the Feast of the Holy Family
Homily for the Feast of St. Stephen
Homily for Christmas
Homily for Thursday of the 4th Week of Advent
Homily for Wednesday of the 4th Week of Advent
Homily for Tuesday of the 4th Week of Advent
Homily for Monday of the 4th Week of Advent
Homily for the 4th Sunday of Advent
Homily for Saturday of the 3rd Week of Advent
Homily for Friday of the 3rd Week of Advent
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