Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Stored in Cargo: Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
| Liturgical Feast | |
|---|---|
| Feast Day | September 08 |
| Rank | Feast |
| Type | Fixed |
| Season | Ordinary Time |
| Primary Shrine | Basilica of Saint Anne, Jerusalem |
| Countries | Universal |
| Dioceses | |
The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is the feast in the Roman Rite that celebrates the birth of Mary, nine months after her Immaculate Conception on December 8. Observed annually on September 8 according to the General Roman Calendar, it falls within Ordinary Time and prepares the faithful for the Advent cycle. The feast is universal but not a Holy Day of Obligation.
According to the *General Roman Calendar* (2002 edition), the Nativity ranks as a feast, taking precedence over the weekday. The Mass uses white vestments, with proper texts in the Missale Romanum drawn from Marian common formularies. The Gloria is not sung on this feast.
Though rooted in apocryphal tradition, the celebration entered the Roman calendar by the 7th century and reflects the Church’s veneration of Mary as the dawn of salvation.
Liturgical observance
The Mass employs white vestments. The Lectionary offers two options: Micah 5:1–4a or Romans 8:28–30 (first reading), and Matthew 1:1–16, 18–23 (Gospel, the shorter form omitting the genealogy). Missale Romanum (editio typica tertia ed.). Libreria Editrice Vaticana. 2002. Lectionary for Mass. III. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. 2002.
The Preface of the Blessed Virgin Mary (I or II) is used, emphasizing her role in the Incarnation. No special rites are mandated universally, though local dioceses may include blessings of infants or processions. The Liturgy of the Hours uses the common of the Blessed Virgin Mary with proper antiphons.
History
Evidence suggests the feast originated in Jerusalem in the 5th century near the Pool of Bethesda, where the Basilica of Saint Anne now stands, commemorating Mary’s birth on September 8. The Catholic Encyclopedia. 10. Robert Appleton Company. 1911. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/10731a.htm. The apocryphal *Protoevangelium of James* (2nd century) provides the narrative of Joachim and Anne as Mary’s parents, though this text is not canonical.
By the 7th century, the feast reached Rome via Eastern monks and was included in the Gelasian Sacramentary. Pope Sergius I (687–701) prescribed a procession from Sant’Adriano to Santa Maria Maggiore. The 1969 reform retained September 8 without alteration."Mysterii Paschalis". Vatican. 1969-02-14. https://www.vatican.va/content/paul-vi/en/motu_proprio/documents/hf_p-vi_motu-proprio_19690214_mysterii-paschalis.html. This reflects universal Roman Rite observance; Eastern churches celebrate it with greater solemnity on the same date.
Theological significance
The Nativity of Mary heralds the coming of Christ, as she is the “aurora” preceding the Sun of Justice. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches: “Mary, the all-holy ever-virgin Mother of God, is the masterwork of the mission of the Son and the Spirit” (CCC 721). Catechism of the Catholic Church (2nd ed.). Libreria Editrice Vaticana. 1997.
The Gospel genealogy in Matthew traces salvation history culminating in the virgin birth. Micah 5:2 prophesies Bethlehem, fulfilled through Mary. Pope St. John Paul II noted in *Redemptoris Mater* (1987) that Mary’s birth marks the beginning of the new covenant."Redemptoris Mater". Vatican. 1987-03-25. https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_jp-ii_enc_19870325_redemptoris-mater.html.
Veneration and traditions
Liturgical tradition holds that Mary is honored through Mass and the Angelus. According to popular devotion, September 8 is associated with blessings of seeds or harvests in rural areas, though this cannot be confirmed as universal.
Processions with the infant Mary occur in Italy and Latin America, but are local customs. No foods are prescribed; “Mary’s birthday cake” is a modern devotional practice in some English-speaking countries. The Rosary or Litany of Loreto may be recited, but not required.
Significant locations
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Shrines
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Basilica of Saint Anne (Jerusalem)
- 5th-century church built over the traditional site of Mary’s birth near the Pool of Bethesda (Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem).
- Minor basilica; plenary indulgence on September 8 under usual conditions."Decree on Jerusalem Indulgences". Apostolic Penitentiary. 1967. https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/tribunals/apost_penit/index.htm.
Basilica Casa Santa Maria (Loreto)
- Enshrines the Holy House of Nazareth, traditionally the site of the Annunciation and Mary’s early life (Diocese of Loreto).
- Major Marian shrine; indulgence granted on Marian feasts.
Sanctuary of Maria Santissima Bambina (Milan)
- Houses the wax image of the infant Mary venerated since the 18th century (Archdiocese of Milan).
- Local shrine; devotion centered on September 8.
References
External links
- Catechism of the Catholic Church §721–726 – Vatican
- September 8 – Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary – USCCB
- Basilica of Saint Anne – Custody of the Holy Land