This Marian feast invites the faithful to honor Mary, the mother of Jesus, and to recognize in her an example of faith, humility and trust in God. The celebration is observed in numerous countries and has a long religious tradition.
THE HOLY NAME OF MARY
The Holy Name of Mary is a feast of the Catholic Church celebrated every September 12. The day is dedicated to the name of the Virgin Mary, considered by believers a sign of protection, hope and spiritual closeness.
Devotion to this celebration developed especially during the Middle Ages and gained greater importance over the centuries. At different times, the faithful have turned to Mary's name in their prayers, especially in moments of difficulty or need.
The feast was extended to the entire Catholic Church by Pope Innocent XI in 1683, following the Christian victory at the Battle of Vienna. Today, September 12 remains an important date for Marian devotion and for those who bear the name Mary.
WHY ARE SAINTS' FEAST DAYS CELEBRATED?
The celebration of saints' feast days has its origins in our culture through the Christian tradition established in Spain. But what does it really mean to celebrate a saint's day? Catholicism has assigned each day of the year to remember and commemorate important Christians who also suffered persecution from those who rejected the Catholic faith.
The Roman Martyrology lists the names in the calendar of saints as we know it. The name refers to a kind of encyclopedia that the Vatican updates by adding new saints after their canonization.
