Catholics celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God on Jan. 1
On Jan. 1, Catholics celebrate Mary’s motherhood of Jesus and observe the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.
The title “Mother of God” is a western derivation from the Greek “Theotokos,” which means “God-bearer.” We are reminded of the role she played in the salvation of humankind.
In the 13th and 14th centuries, Jan. 1 was the date of the Feast of Circumcision. In Jewish law, circumcision would occur eight days after birth.
“It was considered to be the first shedding of Jesus’ blood,” said Father John Gordon, Secretary for Evangelization for the Archdiocese of Newark.
When the Novus Ordo was introduced in 1968, the liturgical calendar was revised, and the Feast of the Circumcision was sidelined for the Solemnity of Mary.
When we celebrate Mary as the Mother of God, we are saying something not so much about Mary, but about Jesus. Jesus is both fully God and fully human and as the woman who bore him, Mary’s unique role in the history of salvation is unparalleled, said Father Gordon. She is also a model for us on how to live and how to welcome Jesus into our hearts and our lives.
Many people make resolutions on New Year’s Day as an opportunity to start anew. As Catholics, we are blessed to have many opportunities to make resolutions not just on New Year’s but throughout the year as well such as when we go to confession or attend a retreat. Lent is also a time of great resolution.
The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God is a Holy Day of Obligation. But since this year, Jan. 1 falls on a Monday, attendance at Mass is not required, said Father Gordon.
