Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary – September 8
A Feast that Prepares the Way
On September 8th, the Church celebrates the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the joyful feast of her birth. This celebration is important because Mary’s birth prepared the way for the coming of Christ, our Saviour.
As Saint John Damascene beautifully proclaimed:
“Let us celebrate with great joy this day which saw the birth of the Mother of Christ, she who is the ‘beginning of salvation.’”
This feast reminds us that from the moment of her birth, Mary was chosen to play a unique role in God’s plan of salvation.
📖 The Story of the Feast
The Church of Jerusalem was the first to commemorate Mary’s Nativity, later spreading to Rome and the West by the 7th century.
An ancient tradition in the Protoevangelium of James (c. 150 AD) tells of Saints Joachim and Anne, who longed for a child. In their old age, God blessed them with a daughter — Mary — who would become the Mother of the Messiah.
Since the 6th century, pilgrims have venerated the site of Mary’s birth near the pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem, where the Basilica of the Nativity of Mary was built.
Mary, Our Spiritual Mother
Mary, the Mother of Jesus, through her “yes” to God, became a model of faith and obedience for all Christians.
She teaches us to trust in God’s plan, even when it is not easy.
She intercedes for us, praying and guiding us closer to her Son.
In times of trial, she comforts us with God’s unfailing love.
As Mother of the Church, she unites us as one family in faith.
In Mary, we see what it means to be a true disciple of Christ — to say “yes” to God, walk in faith, and bring His light into the world.
🌍Feast Celebrations
In Kerala, the Nativity of Mary is one of the most loved Marian feasts. The faithful prepare the feast with Ettu Nombu (eight days of fasting and abstinence), daily Rosary and acts of charity. On the feast day, parishes distribute Pachoru (sweet rice pudding), and families gather for festive meals.
This tradition reflects the joy of welcoming Mary, who brings Christ to the world.
Saint Teresa of Calcutta – September 5
Just three days before Mary’s Nativity, the Church celebrates Saint Teresa of Calcutta, a mother to the poorest of the poor.
She modelled Mary’s tender love by caring for the sick, abandoned, and dying, seeing Christ in every person.
Mother Teresa reminds us:
“I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God, who is sending a love letter to the world.”
Her humility, compassion, and tireless service continue to inspire us to live the Gospel in action. Like Mary, she said “yes” daily to God’s call and became a beacon of hope for the world.
Inspiration from Mother Mary and Mother Teresa
Together, Mary and Mother Teresa inspire us to live with faith, humility, and courage. To
remain hopeful and compassionate in times of trial and serve others with love, seeing Christ in everyone.
Their lives show us that even the smallest “yes” to God can transform the world.
Prayer
As we celebrate the Nativity of our Loving Mother, let us pray for our families, our children and our parish. May we grow in faith, hope, and love serving Christ joyfully in one another and walking always in God’s light.