Today, we celebrate a feast that dates back to the 16th century; however, this feast day was eliminated in the reforms after the Second Vatican Council, and then restored by Pope John Paul II in 2002: the most holy name of Mary. In accordance with Jewish custom, Mary's parents named her eight days after her birth, and were inspired to call her Mary. The celebration of this memorial thus follows that of her birthday, which we celebrated in the nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary on September 5. This is a counterpoint to the memorial of the Holy Name of Jesus which is celebrated on January 3. This feast day originated in Spain and was approved by the Vatican in 1513. Pope Innocent XI extended its observance to the whole Church in 1683 in thanksgiving to our Lady for the victory on September 12, 1683 by Holy Roman Empire over the Ottomans, who were besieging Vienna and threatening the West.
Pope Benedict XVI, in an address at a Cistercian monastery in Austria in 2007, said that he wanted to invite everyone to become a trusting child before Mary, just as the Son of God did. He stated: “Where Mary is, there is the archetype of total self-giving and Christian discipleship. Where Mary is, there is the Pentecostal breath of the Holy Spirit; there is new beginning and authentic renewal.”
The Hebrew name of Mary, Miryãm, means lady or sovereign. We call Mary our Lady just as we call Jesus our Lord. When we pronounce her name we affirm her power, we implore her aid and place ourselves under her protection. Pope Francis ended his apostolic exhortation the Joy of the Gospel with a Section on Mary. He wrote: “Mary is always present in the midst of the people.” Yes, Mary is indeed always with us. Her prayers and intercession are always with us to bring us closer to her son. As we honor the most holy name of Mary today, may we feel her presence with us.
Our psalmist states today: “Guide me Lord, along the everlasting way.” May our Lord Jesus Christ and our blessed Mother guide us on the path of faith.
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