By Justina Mary Ezeuka

The Church celebrates Mary’s birthday on September 8th. This feast day is exactly nine months after the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th, marking nine months from conception to childbirth.

It must be said that there are no explicit references to the celebration of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, however, this celebration has always been part and parcel of the tradition and teaching of the Catholic Church.

The celebration of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary has its origin and infallible belief, which began  this way: The feast began to be celebrated in Rome in the 8th century with Pope Sergius I (8 September 701). It is the third such feast of a “nativity” on the Roman Calendar: The Nativity of Jesus, the Son of God (Christmas); the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist (24 June); and the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (8 September).

The Church has celebrated Mary’s birth since at least the sixth century. A September birth was chosen because the Eastern Church begins its Church year with September. The September 8th date helped determine the date for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th.

Succinctly, it is thought that this celebration originated in connection with the feast of the dedication of a church dedicated to Mary, now the Church of St. Anne, in Jerusalem in the 6th century. Tradition holds that this is where the house of Mary’s parents, Joachim and Anne, stood and where she was born.

The Blessed Virgin Mary holds her first and most important role as the Mother of God. In her womb was conceived Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, the second person of the Blessed Trinity, who is God Himself. Mary is also our spiritual mother; she holds the role of a Co-Redemptrix of humanity because she brought forth the Saviour of the world. She was not an accidental virgin; she was immaculately conceived in the Womb of her Mother St. Anne, She Conceived her Son Jesus Christ in her womb Without  Sin and by the Power of the Holy Spirit and she was assumed into heaven, body and soul, by the power of her Son, Jesus Christ, after His glorious Ascension.

The Gospel of Matthew tells us that Mary was not pregnant before she was betrothed to Joseph. According to the Gospel of Luke 1:26-38, she is a perpetual virgin from her conception in the womb of her mother. Mary conceived the foretold promised Saviour and Redeemer of humanity, Jesus, by God from the mouth of the Angel Gabriel through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Catholic tradition teaches that Mary remains a perpetual virgin after bringing forth the promised Son, Jesus, to the world. (Cf. Revelation 12:1-18)

The Blessed Virgin Mary is the only woman in Heaven and on Earth who has so many titles and different appearances that befit her roles in salvific history. A tender, loving, caring, and perpetual helper, she is a woman who underwent the pains of crucifixion of her Son, Jesus, yet pondered everything in her heart—a silent and yet powerful mother to all who call on her intercession.

The Blessed Virgin Mary Is the only woman that all generation will at last call her “Blessed”(Cf. Luke 1:46-56)

Dear Mother, as the Holy Catholic Church celebrates your birthday today, we ask for your powerful intercession in our world, our country Nigeria, upon our leaders, and especially upon the sick all over the world. May you continue to pray for us and with us throughout life’s journey.

Happy Birthday to you, Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, my Mother, my Queen, and my sure Intercessor.

*Ezeuka is a Parishioner of Seat of Wisdom Catholic Church, Ago Palace Way, Okota Lagos.