The birth of a child is always special, it is a day of joy and celebration; not only for the parents but for everyone. The parents of the child are filled with joy, awe,pride, happiness and thankfulness for the precious gift from God. It definitely must have been the same for St. Joachim and St. Anne and more so because Mother Mary was born after many years of patience and prayers. The day definitely must have been extra special and one can imagine the feeling they experienced as they carried little Mary in their arms.
According to Catholic dogma, Mary was preserved free from original sin from the very first moment of her conception (the Immaculate Conception). Consequently, her birth is viewed not just as the arrival of a human infant, but as the creation of a pure, unblemished vessel who would eventually bear the Son of God. Early Church Fathers often referred to her as the “Dawn” that precedes the “Sun of Justice” (Christ). Her birth bridges the Old and New Testaments, marking the end of an era of expectation and the beginning of the era of grace.
Mary is viewed as the “most perfect flower” of God’s creation who brought new life to the world through Jesus. The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated annually on the 8th of September. In Christian tradition, this day is of great significance because it marks the dawning of salvation, acting as a joyful prelude to the arrival of the Saviour. It is worth noting again; Mother Mary had to be born immaculate and pure to carry Jesus in her Womb.
Symbolism and Devotion
Early theologians, such as St. John Damascene and St. Anselm, viewed Mary’s birth as a day of universal joy and a harbinger of hope for humanity. Several symbolic associations surround her nativity:
- The New Eve: Just as Eve’s disobedience brought death into the world, Mary’s birth paved the way for the ultimate author of life.
- Sanctity of Life: For believers, celebrating Mary’s physical birth serves as a reminder of the inherent sanctity and God-given purpose of all human life.
- The Tabernacle: As Mary was born immaculate, her soul became the first living temple and dwelling place for the Creator.
Conclusion: The celebration of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a feast of immense joy and spiritual renewal. It invites the faithful to honour the woman chosen to be the Mother of God and to reflect on her life as a model of profound humility, grace, and obedience. By celebrating her birth, the Christian world recognizes the first tangible step in God’s redemptive plan for humanity.
On this day we also celebrate all mothers and honour their role in their homes and society. To all mothers “Happy Mother’s day”. Remember you are a special creation of God. Be proud and thankful that God chose you. To conclude I would like to quote Pope Francis :“To hurt a woman is to insult God, who from a woman took on our humanity. He did not do it directly from an angel; nor did he not come directly; He did it through a woman.”
Gladys Da Silva