Io Amo Gesù

The history of the feast of Maria SS. Mother of God (Prayer to the Most Holy Mary)

Da Monica Innaurato -

The feast of Mary Most Holy Mother of God celebrated on January 1st, the civil New Year's Day, marks the conclusion of the Octave of Christmas. The tradition of celebrating Holy Mary. Mother of God It has ancient origins. Initially, the festival replaced the pagan ritual of Christmas gifts, whose rites were in contrast with Christian celebrations.

María Rosal (Fernán‐Núñez, Córdoba, 1961) is a complete writer. She has published children's theatre, has received the Andalusian Critics' Award (2004), the Children's Poetry Award (2007) and the José Hierro National Poetry Award for Carmín rojo sangre (2015). Her poetic work has been translated into English, Italian and Greek.<br/> <br/> This is her second book for children in edebé, after the funniest title, El secreto de las patatas fritas.<br/> <br/> Maria has a very funny sense of humour.

Initially, this holiday was connected with Christmas and January 1st was called “in the octave Domini“. In memory of the rite performed eight days after the birth of Jesus, the gospel of circumcision was proclaimed, which also gave its name to the New Year celebration.

In the past, the festival was celebrated there'11 October. The origin of this date, apparently strange as it is far from Christmas, has historical reasons. During the Council of Ephesus, on 11 October 431, the truth of faith of the "divine motherhood of Mary".

The festival is celebrated on different dates in different ritual traditions. For example, in tradition ambrosiana, the Sunday of the Incarnation is the sixth and last Sunday of Advent, which immediately precedes Christmas. In traditions Syriac and Byzantine, the festival is celebrated on 26th December, while in tradition Coptic, the party is the 16st January.

Madonna

What does the feast of Maria SS represent? Mother of God

From the point of view theological and spiritual, this celebration represents the importance of Mary's divine motherhood. Jesus, the Son of God was born of Mary, therefore her divine motherhood is an exalted and unique prerogative that confers on her many titles of honor. However, Jesus himself suggests one distinction between her divine motherhood and her personal sanctity, indicating that those who hear the word of God and keep it are blessed.

This celebration also represents the importance of Mary as Handmaid of the Lord and her role in the mystery of redemption, consecrating herself to the Son of God with a pure and sinless soul.

In addition to the celebration of Maria SS. Mother of God, January 1st is also the World Peace Day, established by the Catholic Church in 1968. This day is dedicated to reflection and prayer for peace and Pope sends a message to the leaders of nations and all people of good will to promote world peace.