Hey there,
Mary, the Blessed Virgin Mother of our Lord, holds a special place in our hearts. We have countless titles for her and numerous Marian feast days.
One of those feast days is coming up on September 12th and it’s called The Most Holy Name of Mary.
So naturally, this got me thinking about the name Mary. Interestingly, from the time that the United States started tracking the popularity of baby names way back in 1922 up until 1965 Mary was either the number 1 or 2 most popular baby name given to girls.
But then things changed dramatically. After 1967, the name Mary is nowhere to be found in the top 5 most popular baby names in the US.
I found numerous articles explaining the shift in our culture away from “common” names to more individualized names. And who knows, they may be right.
This week Genuflect takes a look at the Feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary, how it got started, how it landed on September 12th, the meaning of the name, how to celebrate, and the power of Mary in defending us against the devil.
It’s certainly possible the name Mary will see a resurgence in popularity like other biblical names, like Sara. But regardless, the Most Holy Name of Mary is one we can always call upon for assistance.
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
About The Name Mary
Robert Brehl looks at the declining lack of popularity of the name Mary for girls. He presents several theories for the decline, but notes that there have been many “spinoffs” of the name introduced.
There’s Something About The Name Mary | The Catholic Register
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