SAINT OF THE DAY · SEPTEMBER 12

What is the feast of the Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary?

Saintly Editorial 2 min read
In short

Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary: A name held in honor by the whole Church. Lived first century. From Nazareth in Galilee. Mother of Jesus and faithful disciple. Mother of mercy and Queen. Mother of God. Saintly remembers this feast on September 12.

  • Lived first century
  • From Nazareth in Galilee
  • Mother of Jesus and faithful disciple
  • Mother of mercy and Queen
  • Mother of God

What is the feast of the Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary?

Mary's name was Miriam in the language of her people. She lived in Nazareth, a small town in Galilee. Her name was known among Jewish families of her time. The Church later honored it because it belonged to the woman chosen to become the Mother of Jesus. Her story began quietly.

The Gospel first shows Mary inside her own home. The angel Gabriel came to her with God's message. He called her by name and announced that she would bear Jesus. Mary listened, asked how this could happen, and then answered with trust. That name soon carried a promise for the world.

Mary then traveled into the hill country to visit Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child in her womb leaped. Elizabeth called Mary blessed among women. Mary answered with a hymn of praise. Her name became joined to words of wonder, humility, and gratitude before God.

At Bethlehem, Mary gave birth to Jesus and laid him in a manger. Shepherds arrived and told what angels had announced. Mary listened carefully. She kept these things in her heart and pondered them. Her name was now spoken beside the child whom the angels had proclaimed as Savior.

At Cana, Mary noticed that a wedding had run out of wine. She brought the need to Jesus. Then she told the servants to do whatever he said. Jesus changed water into wine. Mary had quietly opened the way for his first sign, and the servants witnessed what followed.

Mary remained near Jesus through his public ministry. She stood beneath his cross when many others had fled. The Gospel places her there with the beloved disciple. Jesus entrusted them to one another. Her name was carried through sorrow, yet she remained present until the end.

After the Resurrection, Mary was with the disciples in prayer as they awaited the Holy Spirit. The Church later began honoring her name in a special feast. It was first celebrated in Spain and eventually spread through the Western Church. The feast recalls her privileges and the graces received through her intercession.

What can we learn from the Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary today?

  • Begin today by saying Mary's name slowly before presenting God your most urgent need.
  • When someone needs help, follow Mary's example and bring that need promptly to Jesus.
  • Keep one grace in your heart today, as Mary pondered God's works quietly.

The Holy Name of Mary gathers the whole story of a woman who received God's call, carried Christ, served others, endured sorrow, and remained faithful. The Church honors her name because it recalls God's work in her life. Saying it with reverence can turn our hearts toward Jesus, whom she always brings us.

When is the feast day of the Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary?

Saintly remembers Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary on September 12, when the story above is the saint of the day in the app. Read how the Church declares someone a saint, or how to choose a patron saint.

Sources

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