The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Nativity Feast

The Story of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

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 8 date helped determine the date for the feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8.

Scripture does not give an account of Mary’s birth. However, the apocryphal Protoevangelium of James fills in the gap. This work has no historical value, but it does reflect the development of Christian piety. According to this account, Anna and Joachim are infertile but pray for a child. They receive the promise of a child who will advance God’s plan of salvation for the world. Such a story, like many biblical counterparts, stresses the special presence of God in Mary’s life from the beginning.

Saint Augustine connects Mary’s birth with Jesus’ saving work. He tells the earth to rejoice and shine forth in the light of her birth. “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.” The opening prayer at Mass speaks of the birth of Mary’s Son as the dawn of our salvation, and asks for an increase of peace.

Categories: 

More News

Diocesan Pilgrimage to Glastonbury – Sunday 14th July

April 24, 2024

The Annual Pilgrimage to Glastonbury will take place on Sunday, 14th July 2024. This year’s pilgrimage will be centred around the theme of ‘Mary,...Read more

Clifton Diocese, Finance and Property Support Officer

April 18, 2024

The Clifton Diocese Curia offices are currently looking to recruit a Finance and Property Support Officer to strengthen it's central finance and property functions....Read more