All Else Confusion

Today is the feast of the Nativity of Mary - exactly nine months after the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (of Mary, not Jesus - Jesus' conception is celebrated on March 25 - the Feast of the Annunciation). The Catholic Church celebrates the birthday of only 2 saints, Mary and John the Baptist. The Feast of the Nativity of Mary was celebrated by the universal Church as early as the 6th century and is one of the oldest Marian feasts.

Thy birth, O Virgin Mother of God,
heralded joy to all the world.
For from thou hast risen the Sun of justice,
Christ our God.

Destroying the curse, He gave blessing;
and damning death, He bestowed on us
life everlasting.

Blessed art thou among women
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
For from thou hast risen of Sun of justice,
Christ our God.


­from The Divine Office - Matins

Labels: Feast Day