The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God is one of the most important dates in the liturgical calendar. In this post, we’ll explore the meaning and history behind it and give you some practical ways to celebrate so you can start the New Year focused on faith!
Date of the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
The Solemnity of Mary is celebrated each year on January 1 on the final day of the Christmas Octave.
What the Solemnity Celebrates
This day honors Mary as Theotokos, or “God-bearer,” recognizing her unique role in the Incarnation of Jesus. To help underscore Mary’s divine motherhood, the Catechism of the Catholic Church provides the following explanation:
“Called in the Gospels ‘the mother of Jesus,’ Mary is acclaimed by Elizabeth, at the prompting of the Spirit and even before the birth of her son, as ‘the mother of my Lord.’ In fact, the One whom she conceived as man by the Holy Spirit, who truly became her Son according to the flesh, was none other than the Father’s eternal Son, the second person of the Holy Trinity. Hence the Church confesses that Mary is truly ‘Mother of God’ (Theotokos).” (495)
History of the Solemnity of Mary
The Council of Ephesus in 431 AD confirmed that Jesus is fully divine and fully human, thereby affirming Mary’s role as the Mother of God. Over the centuries, Marian feast days were celebrated throughout the year, but it wasn’t until after the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s that the Church officially placed the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God on January 1.
How to Observe the Solemnity
The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God is a Holy Day of Obligation—so the best way to celebrate is by going to Mass and praying for Mary’s intercession!
Besides that, here are some other ways that our team likes to observe the day:
- Pray the Joyful Mysteries of the rosary.
- Read and reflect on scripture (especially Luke 1:26-56).
- Listen to a favorite Marian hymn like the “Ave Maria” or “Hail, Holy Queen.”
A Solemnity to Start the Year Right
However you decide to celebrate, the Solemnity of Mary is a wonderful chance to start the New Year on the right foot, reflecting on Mary’s holy example and praying for her intercession as we seek to grow closer to Christ.
