The Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Feast Day: September 12
The Church gives special honor to the name of Mary. Her name is holy because she is the Mother of Jesus. She said yes to God. Because of her, Jesus came into the world. Her name reminds us of her faith, her trust, and her love.
The name of Mary is more than just a name. It brings peace to those who call on her. It brings comfort to those who are afraid or in trouble. For many centuries, Christians have said her name with love and hope.
We remember the Most Holy Name of Mary with a feast. This feast helps us think about her place in God’s plan. It helps us thank her for saying yes to God.
Mary’s name leads us to Jesus. When we call her name, she helps us stay close to Him. She is always ready to help us pray and follow God.
What’s in a Name
The name “Mary” comes from the Hebrew name “Miryam.” Some think it means “beloved,” “bitter,” or “lady.” Others say it means “hope” or “star of the sea.” We do not know for sure. But the Church has always seen beauty in her name.
The name of Mary is found in the Bible. The angel Gabriel said her name when he came to her. Elizabeth called her by name when she greeted her. Her name is simple, but it carries a deep meaning for us.
Many saints wrote about her name. Saint Bernard of Clairvaux said her name is like oil that gives light and healing. He said it brings joy to the soul. Saint Alphonsus Liguori said her name brings help to those who are lost.
When we say her name, we remember who she is. She is the mother of Jesus. She is our mother too. Her name reminds us of her love for God and for us.
Saved by a Name
The feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary began in Spain in the 1500s. It started after people were saved from danger in a battle. They believed Mary helped them win. They wanted to thank her by honoring her name.
The feast became more well-known after the Battle of Vienna in 1683. The city was attacked, and things looked very bad. The king of Poland, Jan Sobieski, prayed to Mary. He asked for her help. He and his army won the battle. People believed Mary’s prayers saved them.
Pope Innocent XI made the feast a part of the Church calendar in 1684. He wanted people to remember how Mary helped the Christian people. The feast was first kept on September 12, just days after the victory.
Later, the feast was removed from the Church calendar, but it was brought back by Pope John Paul II in 2002. Today, we still celebrate it each year. It is a day to honor Mary’s name and ask for her help.
Say Her Name with Love
People have always prayed to Mary. Saying her name is part of many prayers. The “Hail Mary” says her name. The Rosary says her name many times. When people say her name, they feel peace.
There are many churches named after Mary. Some are named “Holy Name of Mary.” Others use titles like “Our Lady.” These churches remind us that Mary is close to us. Her name is written on church walls, statues, and stained glass.
Saints have loved her name. They have said it often in prayer. Saint Louis de Montfort taught people to love Mary deeply. He said that her name brings people closer to Jesus. Saint Teresa of Avila once said that Mary always comes when we call her.
Many people wear medals with her name. Some keep her name in their hearts when they are sick or sad. Others say her name when they are dying. Her name gives strength and hope to those in need.
Why Her Name Still Matters
Mary’s name is a gift. It reminds us that she is always near. She helps us say yes to God, like she did. She helps us stay strong when life is hard. Saying her name helps us stay close to Jesus.
The feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary is on September 12. On this day, we remember her name with prayer. We thank God for her. We ask her to help us grow in faith.
Mary is the patron of many places and people. She is the patron of the United States, of many countries, and of many churches. She is also the patron of people who are poor, afraid, or sick. Her name is a shield for those who trust in her.
Even today, people turn to her name in times of trouble. Her name brings light in the dark. Her name gives comfort to the lonely. Her name points us to Jesus, who is our Savior and our peace.
Daily Mass Readings for the Optional Memorial of the Most Holy Name of Mary
The readings for this memorial may be taken from the readings below, the Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary, or the readings of the day.
- First Reading – Galatians 4:4-7: God sent his Son to free us from the law, making us his children. As his children, we receive the Spirit and become heirs to his promises.
- Responsorial Psalm – Luke 1: God has shown mercy, raised the lowly, fed the hungry, and remembered his promise to Israel. I praise him with joy, for he has done great things for me.
- Gospel – Luke 1:39-47: Mary visited Elizabeth, who welcomed her with joy. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth praised Mary’s faith. Mary responded with praise, rejoicing in God for all he had done for her.
Homilies, Commentaries, and Reflections
Calling on Her Name
Mary’s name is simple. But it means a lot. When we say her name, we remember that she is near. She is a mother who cares. She listens. She helps. Her name is not just a sound—it brings peace to those who trust her.
Sometimes we feel lost or unsure. Life can be hard. But just saying “Mary” can calm us. Her name is like a light in the dark. When we are afraid, we can whisper her name. She will help us turn to Jesus. She always brings us to Him.
Mary said yes to God even when she did not understand everything. Her name reminds us to trust God, even when life is confusing. We do not have to be perfect. We just need to say yes to God, like she did.
When we think of her name, we can remember that we are not alone. Mary walks with us. She prays for us. We are part of her family. Saying her name helps us stay close to her, and to Jesus.
Reflection questions:
- When have I called on Mary’s name in prayer?
- What does her name mean to me personally?
- How can I grow closer to Jesus through Mary?
- Do I trust Mary to pray for me and guide me?
Resources
The Secret of Mary
The Secret of Mary by St. Louis de Montfort is a simple and powerful guide to growing closer to Jesus by going through Mary. The book teaches that by giving ourselves to Mary, we can better follow Jesus. It explains how to live this devotion every day and what blessings can come from it. St. Louis shows that true freedom comes from giving ourselves fully to God through Mary. This version has been updated in plain language to help more people understand it. It also includes an audio version read by a priest who loves Mary deeply.
Quotes and Social Media Graphics
Questions and Answers about the Most Holy Name of Mary
What is the Most Holy Name of Mary?
It is a special name given to honor Mary, the mother of Jesus. The Church celebrates her name with love and respect.
Why do we honor Mary’s name?
Her name reminds us of her love, faith, and trust in God. It brings peace and hope to those who pray to her.
When is the feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary?
It is on September 12 every year.
Where did this feast come from?
It started in Spain in the 1500s. Later, it became more well-known after the Battle of Vienna in 1683.
Who helped make this feast important?
Pope Innocent XI made it part of the Church calendar. Pope John Paul II brought it back after it was removed.
What does the name “Mary” mean?
Many believe it means “beloved,” “lady,” or “star of the sea.” The meaning is not clear, but the name is full of love.
How can I honor the name of Mary?
You can say her name in prayer, pray the Rosary, or visit a church named after her.
Is it okay to pray just by saying “Mary”?
Yes. Saying her name with love is a prayer. She hears us and brings our prayers to Jesus.
Do any saints talk about her name?
Yes. Saints like Bernard of Clairvaux and Alphonsus Liguori wrote about the beauty and power of her name.
What happens when we say her name in faith?
We feel peace. We remember that we are not alone. Mary is with us and helps us follow Jesus.
A Name to Remember
The name of Mary is simple, but full of meaning. It reminds us of her trust in God. It reminds us that she said yes when God asked. Her name brings peace to those who say it with faith.
The Church gives us a day to honor her name. This feast helps us slow down and think about Mary’s role in our lives. We remember that she is our mother too. She walks with us and prays for us.
Her name has been loved by saints, popes, and everyday people. It has been spoken in times of joy and in times of fear. Saying her name is a way to stay close to her and to Jesus.
When we say “Mary,” we are not alone. Her name is a gift. It brings hope, comfort, and strength. It reminds us to trust God, just like she did.
Your Turn
Take time to learn more about the Most Holy Name of Mary. Read about her, pray to her, or try saying her name when you need peace. Her name can help you feel calm and close to Jesus.
We’d love to hear from you. How has Mary helped you? Have you ever called on her name in prayer? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
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