Holy Mother of God! This was the joyful acclamation of the holy people of God echoing in the streets of Ephesus in the year 431, when the Council Fathers proclaimed Mary the Mother of God. This truth is a fundamental datum of faith, but above all, it is a marvelous fact. God has a Mother and is thus bound forever to our humanity, like a child to its mother, to the point that our humanity is his humanity.

By Jesus being born of Mary, God showed his concrete love for our humanity, embracing it truly and fully. Brothers and sisters, God does not love us in words but in deeds; not from “on high,” but “up close,” precisely from “within” our flesh, because in Mary the Word became flesh, because Christ continues to have a heart of flesh that beats for each and every one of us!  

– Homily of His Holiness Pope Francis, January 1, 2023, St. Peter’s Basilica

The great Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, is celebrated each year on January 1. Because the feast day falls on a Monday this year, the obligation to attend Mass is lifted. Mass will be held at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal at 12:10 p.m., CT. All are invited to join us in person or in spirit. Send us your petitions to be remembered and/or request a Votive Light to burn.

Reciting this beautiful Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a fitting way to celebrate and honor the Mother of God: