Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God

The 1st of January is the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God. This feast celebrates the Motherhood of Our Lady to Jesus. The title “Mother of God” is a translation of the Latin “Mater Dei” which is a rendering of the Greek title Θεοτόκος (Theotokos), which means “Bearer of God.”

The 1st of January is the last day of the Christmas Octave. This feast originated in the 7th century where the Latin Church pays honour to Mary as Our Lord’s Mother. It is also the 8th day after Jesus was born and when He was circumcised in the temple and given the name “Jesus” which means “God Saves.”

Image: La vierge aux raisins by Pierre Mignard (17th C)