SOLEMNITY OF MARY, THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD

The Octave of Christmas falls on New Year’s Day. Given the fact that the pagans used to celebrate this day through dissolute activities and superstition, the ancient Church helped believers begin the new year with a “new Spirit” through the practice of days of fasting and penance. In 431, during the Council of Ephesus that concluded on 22 June, the dogma of faith regarding “Mary’s divine maternity” was declared. Thus, in 1931, on the Council’s 15th centenary, Pope Pius XI established the liturgical feast that we already find celebrated in the 7th century. It is a day laden with meaning and contains many messages: the Octave of Christmas recalls the day Jesus was circumcised and given His name, it is the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God, and it is also the day on which the World Day of Peace is celebrated (established by Pope Saint Paul VI in 1968). There truly are many messages to be received on this first day of the year. We are invited to learn from the Virgin Mary to “keep” the Word in our hearts, and to ask ourselves what the Lord Jesus wants to say to us as the days go by, knowing that God’s blessing always accompanies us, as the First Reading from Numbers reminds us.

We wish you all a Happy & Healthy 2023!

May you be with our good God throughout the New Year;

May God Bless you always with

enough happiness to keep you sweet;

enough trials to keep you strong;

enough success to keep you eager;

enough faith to give you courage;

and enough determination to make each day a good one.

Father Gijo, Father Shyju, & Deacon Miguel