All Else Confusion

Today is the Optional Memorial of the Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Established in 1513 in Spain, this feast was extended to the Universal Church in 1683 by Pope Innocent XI in thanksgiving to our Lady for the victory on September 12, 1683 by John Sobieski, king of Poland, over the Turks, who were besieging Vienna and threatening the West. When we pronounce the name of Mary, we affirm her power, implore her aid and place ourselves under her protection.


Lord our God, when your Son was dying on the altar of the cross, he gave us as our mother the one he had chosen to be his own mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary; grant that we who call upon the holy name of Mary, our mother, with confidence in her protection may receive strength and comfort in all our needs. (Marian Sacramentary, Mass for the Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary).