Hey there,
Mary, the Blessed Virgin Mother of our Lord, holds a place of singular honor in the life of the Church. Over the centuries she has been given many beautiful titles, and the liturgical calendar is filled with feast days in her honor.
One of these feasts is just around the corner … on September 12th we celebrate the Feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary.
That got me reflecting on the name Mary itself. For decades in the United States—from the early 1920s until the mid-1960s—Mary was the most popular name given to baby girls. But after 1967, it quickly disappeared from the top five. Some say the shift reflects our culture’s move toward individuality and away from traditional names. Perhaps that’s true.
This week in Genuflect, we’ll explore the Feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary: its history, why it is celebrated on September 12th, the meaning of the name, ways you can honor the feast, and above all, the power of Mary’s intercession in defending us against the evil one.
Names may rise and fall in popularity, but the Most Holy Name of Mary endures forever—a name we can always call upon with confidence, love, and trust.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
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The Origins of The Feast Day
The Feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary has its origins back to 1683 when it was believed that Mary was responsible for the allied force’s defeat of the Ottomans at the Battle of Vienna. And Pope Innocent XI honored the Most Holy Name of Mary with a feast day.
Why The Holy Name of Mary is Associated With a Turning Point in History | Aleteia
The Many Meanings of Mary
According to the Saints, the name Mary, or Maria has many meanings. Here Nishant Xavier looks at those various meanings and the three special graces granted to those who invoke the holy name in confidence.
Maria, The Beloved: Contemplating The Virgin’s Holy Name | One Peter Five
Why September 12?
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary on September 12th. But it wasn’t always that date. The feast began in the early 16th century and has been associated with several dates. Here’s how we landed on September 12.
Why is The Holy Name of Mary Celebrated on September 12? | Aleteia
How to Celebrate The Holy Name of Mary
As mothers, we respond to all the calls of our children. And Mary is no different in responding to us. We are blessed to have Mary’s intercessory powers available to us. Megan Swaim offers 5 ways to celebrate the Holy Name of Mary as a family.
Celebrating The Holy Name(s) of Mary | Catholic Mom
Honoring Mary
Some criticize Catholics for our devotion to Mary. And it can get a little confusing, but there is a big difference between our devotion to Mary vs. our devotion to God. Mark Miravalle clears the air.
Why Catholics Honor Mary | Catholic Exchange
Mary’s Power Against The Devil
Mary will protect us against the forces of the devil, if we just invoke her name. Here Monsignor Stephen Rossetti relates the power of Mary’s intercession against the evil one.
“She Will Come:” The Supernatural Power of Our Lady’s Name Against The Gates of Hell | ChurchPOP
Living The Hail Mary
Pamela Mandela tells us how to “Follow Mary’s lead. Encounter the Father, be overshadowed by the Holy Spirit, and conceive the Son in your heart. Live the incarnation by allowing His Word to become flesh in you! Hail Mary and ask her to show you how by praying.”
Living The Hail Mary | Catholic Stand
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