It is believed that the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary are Saints Joachim and Anne. Joachim, a wealthy man from one of the Twelve Tribes of Israel, was rich in material goods but, together with Anne, faced the sorrow of being childless. In their deep longing for a child, they turned to God, devoting themselves to prayer and fasting. In His mercy, God heard their plea, and Anne conceived. She gave birth to Mary, whom the Church proclaims as immaculately conceived, free from original sin.
Before Mary’s conception, it is said that an angel appeared to Anne, foretelling the future honour their child would receive. The angel declared, “The Lord has heard your prayer. You shall conceive, and your offspring will be spoken of throughout the world.” Indeed, this prophecy is fulfilled today, as the world honors Mary and celebrates her nativity. We honor the Blessed Virgin Mary first and foremost because she was chosen by God for a unique and sacred mission. The Church teaches that she was conceived without sin, as she was destined to be the pure vessel of the Holy Spirit, carrying within her womb the Son of God and giving birth to Him in human form. Mary’s role in God’s plan of salvation is unparalleled, for she was chosen to be the Mother of God, a singular grace that she alone received.
Another reason we venerate the Blessed Virgin Mary is because of her Son, our Lord and King, Jesus Christ. In ancient times, the mother of a king was held in high esteem, respected and honoured alongside the king. Likewise, it is fitting to respect and honor Mary, who stands beside her Son in heaven and intercedes for us. By honouring her, we draw closer to the Lord and receive the grace we need in our lives.
Lastly, we honour Mary for her virtues. While she lived on earth, she demonstrated profound faith in God, surrendering her life completely to His will. Her life was a model of holiness, filled with love for God and devotion to her Son. She accompanied Jesus throughout His earthly ministry, standing faithfully even at the foot of the cross. For this, she is honoured as the greatest among all the saints.
Today, as we celebrate the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we rejoice in the hope of our salvation, for she is like the dawn that heralds the coming of the Sun. From her arose the Sun of Justice, our Lord Jesus Christ. Her birth is a cause of joy for all God’s people. As we honour her, let us also strive to imitate her virtues—her faith, hope, love, humility, obedience, chastity, patience, prayerfulness, and total surrender to the will of God. May we seek her intercession, asking that she pray for us, so that we may receive the grace to remain faithful to God all the days of our lives.
Please pray for all those who have died recently:
Thomas Mani (87), George Kakkassery (75) Thomas Chummar (81) P V Varghese Punnackapadavil (88) Marykutty Mathew (76)
Commemorate the Death Anniversaries of Our Loved Ones:
Prof.Baby Varghese Menacherry (61)2001.
