The Feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary is one of the most beloved and eagerly
anticipated celebrations within the Catholic community, providing an opportunity for devotees to express their love and devotion to the mother of Jesus.
As we know, the Catholic Church holds numerous feasts and celebrations throughout the year to honor saints and the Virgin Mary. Catholics commemorate significant events such as the crucifixion and death of Jesus to remember the sacrifices made by the Son of God. However, there is one special date that no faithful member wants to miss: September 12th, a day dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Let us tell you more about this important occasion.
[toc]
A Celebration of Faith
As mentioned, the Catholic Church follows a rich calendar of celebrations filled with love, devotion, and faith. One such date is September 12th, when followers of Mary take the opportunity to show their affection and devotion to the Holy Mother of Jesus Christ. This day commemorates the Feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary, one of the most popular Marian celebrations among Catholics. It is a day to honor Mary with gifts, flowers, and communal prayers. At Trinitours, we offer the best pilgrimages to Marian shrines, many of which coincide with this beautiful feast.
This celebration has a long history. The first known commemoration of the Virgin Mary was in Cuenca in 1513, though it wasn’t officially recognized at the time. The Feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary was formally introduced by Pope Innocent XI in 1684, becoming a cherished part of the Church’s liturgical calendar. Unfortunately, the feast was later removed but was revived in 2002 by Pope John Paul II, a devoted follower of the Virgin Mary from his childhood. His deep reverence for Mary led him to restore this and other important celebrations, including the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus.
How to Celebrate the Virgin Mary
In many countries, feast days are marked with lively celebrations, filled with color, music, and gatherings. However, the Feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary tends to be more intimate and reflective. It offers a time to connect with the Virgin Mary through prayer, giving thanks for her intercessions and asking for her continued guidance.
September 12th is also an opportunity to honor Jesus through his mother. At Trinitours, we encourage anyone who is devoted to the Virgin Mary to participate in this feast. The most common way to celebrate is through prayer.
Catholics have a rich tradition of prayers dedicated to God and the saints, including seven key prayers mentioned in the Bible: the Our Father, the Creed, the Gloria, the Invocation of the Holy Spirit, the Hail Mary, the Guardian Angel prayer, and the Offering to the Virgin Mary. The Offering to the Virgin Mary is especially beloved during the Feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary, as it is a profound act of love and devotion. Those who pray it dedicate their mind, body, and soul to the Virgin, much like Pope John Paul II, who often recited this prayer.
Here is the prayer:
“I offer myself entirely to you, and as proof of my filial affection, I consecrate to you this day my eyes, my ears, my tongue, my heart; in short, my whole being. Since I am yours, O Mother of goodness, keep me and defend me as your property and possession. Amen”.
Other ways to celebrate include:
- Bringing flowers to churches.
- Visiting Marian shrines in Europe and the Middle East.
- Donating food or clothing to associations or orphanages dedicated to Mary.
- Participating in Marian pilgrimages.
Conclusion
Without a doubt, the Feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary is one of the most beautiful celebrations to honor the mother of Jesus. Don’t forget that you can take part in the events organized by your local church every September 12th. Prayer is at the heart of this celebration, and you might even consider learning the Offering to the Virgin Mary if you’re seeking a deeper connection with her. For more information, visit Trinitours.com and explore our upcoming pilgrimages to Marian sites worldwide.
