Make Mother Mary Better Known to the World Today

On September 8, the Church rejoices in the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Birthdays are always occasions of joy, gratitude, and celebration—but Mary’s birthday is more than that. It is a reminder of God’s loving plan for humanity.

Mary’s birth prepared the way for Jesus, the Savior of the world. From the moment of her conception, preserved from sin, she was chosen to become the Mother of God. In her, God’s promises to Israel began to take flesh.

Who is Mary?

Mary is the Mother of God, the humble woman of Nazareth who accepted God’s invitation with total trust. Her role in salvation history is central: she gave flesh to the eternal Word, and through her "yes," salvation entered the world. She is also our spiritual mother, interceding for us and guiding us closer to her Son.

Mary’s Courageous Yes

Mary’s fiat—“Let it be done to me according to your word”—is the most courageous Yes in history. With that response, she accepted a mission filled with uncertainty, sacrifice, and pain, yet also with immeasurable grace and joy.

From the Annunciation to the Crucifixion and even beyond the Ascension, Mary never abandoned her Son. She remained faithful and strong, teaching us to stay rooted in God’s love no matter what trials come our way.

The Church reminds us of her presence throughout the year:

• January 1: Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

• August 15: The Assumption, our assurance of hope and eternal life

• December 8: The Immaculate Conception, celebrating God’s perfect plan of grace

And every Rosary prayed is a journey with Mary into the life of Christ, mystery by mystery.

A Gift for Mary: The Acronym M.A.R.Y.

As we celebrate her birthday, let us offer her a special gift—not only flowers or candles, but a pledge to make her better known today.

Here’s an acronym to guide us:

M – Model of Faith: Mary shows us how to trust completely in God’s will. A – Advocate of Grace: She intercedes for us, bringing our needs before her Son. R – Reflection of Purity: Her humility and integrity inspire us to live holy lives. Y – Yes to God: Her courage to embrace God’s call challenges us to say yes daily.

Reflection: Making Mary Better Known Today

We can give Mary a present that will last forever by living her virtues in our families, our communities, and our workplaces. When we tell her story, when we share the Rosary, and when we embrace her purity and humility, we make her better known.

To make Mary known is to make Jesus known, for she always leads us to Him.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of our Blessed Mother Mary, whose birth we celebrate with joy. Through her, yes, You sent us Your Son, Jesus, the Bread of Life and Savior of the world.

Mother Mary, on your birthday we offer you our pledge—to live in faith, purity, humility, and courage. Help us to make you better known today so that through you, many may come to know and love Jesus more deeply.

Hail Mary, full of grace…