https://nationaltoday.com/solemnity-of-mary/

[====== The Solemnity of Mary, recognized on January 1 each year by the Latin Rite of the Catholic Church, marks a significant moment within the Twelve Days of Christmas. Falling on the eighth day of Christmastide, it celebrates Mary’s role as the mother of Jesus. Known also as the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, this day sometimes gets overshadowed by New Year festivities yet holds great reverence for Christians.

The Solemnity of Mary is a crucial feast observed during the Twelve Days of Christmas, alongside those of Saint Stephen, Saint John the Apostle, the Holy Innocents, and the Holy Family. However, it is arguably the most important feast on the eighth day of Christmas, dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God. Initially, Christmas was celebrated on January 6, sharing the date with the Feast of the Epiphany. As Christmas found a separate day on December 25, the significance of the octave, or eighth day, evolved, leading to the common tradition of honoring Mary on January 1 in both Eastern and Western churches.

Because this holiday was not initially established in the universal Church calendar, the Feast of the Circumcision of Jesus Christ replaced the Solemnity of Mary on January 1. With the introduction of the Novus Ordo, the liturgical calendar underwent revisions, reviving the ancient practice of celebrating the Solemnity of Mary. Consequently, January 1 is dedicated to Mary as a universally celebrated feast, underscoring her critical role as the Blessed Virgin who enabled Christ’s birth and ultimately human salvation.

Key moments in the history of the Solemnity of Mary include:

• 13th century: The Feast of the Circumcision is celebrated in Rome on January 1.
• 1198: The Order of the Most Holy Trinity, known as the Trinitarians, is founded by John of Matha.
• December 8, 1854: Pope Pius IX marks the Feast of the Immaculate Conception as a holy day.
• 1960: Revisions by Pope John XXIII remove the mention of Jesus’ circumcision from January 1 celebrations.

Solemnity of Mary celebrates the Blessed Virgin Mary’s motherhood of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The Catholic Church began venerating Mary in the first half of the 3rd century, with the first liturgical reference noted by Hippolytus of Rome. While the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception on December 9 is a holy day of obligation globally, the Solemnity of Mary holds its own significance.

To honor this occasion, believers may:

• Attend Mass, offering prayers and gratitude for blessings.
• Host a feast as part of the Twelve Days of Christmas traditions, sharing the joy with friends and family.
• Engage in acts of charity, such as sharing food with those in need.

Five facts about Blessed Mary, Mother of Jesus include:

1. Immaculate Conception: As Christ’s mother, Mary was sinless, a grace granted by God.
2. Greatest of all Saints: Mary is considered the greatest saint, having been chosen by God to bear His Son and fully cooperating with this divine plan.
3. Areas of conflict: Different beliefs about Mary’s sinlessness and perpetual virginity exist between Catholics and some Protestant groups.
4. Witness to Jesus’ glory: Mary’s life, from her song to her support of Jesus, testified to His miracles.
5. Honored in the Quran: The Quran dedicates an entire chapter to Mary, mentioning her more than in the New Testament.

The importance of the Solemnity of Mary lies in its place within the Twelve Days of Christmas, its recognition of Mary’s significant role, and its reinforcement of faith traditions. Though it may be eclipsed by New Year’s celebrations, it remains a vital holy day for Christians. Here are the upcoming dates for the Solemnity of Mary:

• 2025: January 1, Wednesday
• 2026: January 1, Thursday
• 2027: January 1, Friday
• 2028: January 1, Saturday
• 2029: January 1, Monday ======]