The Principal Feasts of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Throughout the liturgical year, Holy Mother Church invites us to honour the Blessed Virgin Mary through special feasts dedicated to her life and virtues. These solemnities, feasts, and memorials are occasions of grace, wherein we contemplate the singular role of Our Lady in the history of salvation and seek her powerful intercession.
The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
(December 8)
On this day, we celebrate the great dogma that Mary, from the first moment of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege of Almighty God and in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, Saviour of the human race, was preserved exempt from all stain of original sin. She is the one immaculate creature, prepared by God to be the worthy Mother of His Son.
O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.
The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
(September 8)
The Church celebrates the birthday of the Blessed Virgin, the dawn of our salvation. Her birth brought to the world the promise of a Saviour, for from her was to be born the Son of God. As the light of her life dawned, the darkness of sin began to recede.
Thy Nativity, O Virgin Mother of God, was the herald of joy to the whole world; since from thee arose the Sun of Justice, Christ our God.
The Annunciation of the Lord
(March 25)
We commemorate the day when the Angel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary to announce that she had been chosen to become the Mother of God. With her humble and obedient “fiat” — “Be it done unto me according to thy word” — the Word was made flesh, and the redemption of mankind began.
The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary, and she conceived of the Holy Ghost. Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done unto me according to thy word. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
(August 15)
On this solemnity, we celebrate the bodily taking up of the Virgin Mary into Heaven at the end of her earthly life. Having been preserved from original sin, it was not fitting that her body should see corruption. She was assumed, body and soul, into heavenly glory, where she reigns as Queen of Heaven and Earth.
Most glorious Virgin Mary, who wast assumed into heaven, pray for us.
Our Lady of Sorrows
(September 15)
The day after the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, the Church remembers the seven sorrows of our Blessed Mother. We meditate upon the profound grief she endured in union with her Son’s Passion, from the prophecy of Simeon to the burial of Jesus. Her heart was pierced by a sword of sorrow, that she might become the Mother of all the redeemed.
Holy Mother, pierce me through; in my heart each wound renew of my Saviour crucified.
The Queenship of Mary
(Formerly May 31, now August 22)
This feast celebrates Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth, of Angels and of Saints. Her Queenship is a share in the Kingship of her Son, Jesus Christ. Because she was so intimately associated with the work of our redemption, she is fittingly crowned in glory as our Queen and advocate.
Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope! To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve.
Contexte Historique
Marian feasts are specific days in the liturgical calendar of the Catholic Church dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. These celebrations, which have developed over many centuries, commemorate various events in her life, her dogmatic titles, or her apparitions. From the great solemnities like the Immaculate Conception and the Assumption to memorials of her sorrows and joys, these feasts provide the faithful with opportunities to honour the Mother of God, to contemplate her virtues, and to implore her maternal intercession.