Happy New Year/Solemnity/Octave . . .!

Today the Church celebrates the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, our Lady's greatest title.

This feast is the octave of Christmas. A very special celebration. In the modern Roman Calendar only Christmas and Easter enjoy the privilege of an octave.

Here's an extract from CCC about today's Solemnity.

"Mary, the all-holy ever-virgin Mother of God, is the masterwork of the mission of the Son and the Spirit in the fullness of time. For the first time in the plan of salvation and because his Spirit had prepared her, the Father found the dwelling place where his Son and his Spirit could dwell among men. In this sense the Church's Tradition has often read the most beautiful texts on wisdom in relation to Mary. Mary is acclaimed and represented in the liturgy as the "Seat of Wisdom." — Catechism of the Catholic Church 721

And the Opening Prayer from today's Mass:

Let us pray

[that Mary the mother of the Lord,

will help us by her prayers]

God our Father ,

may we always profit by the prayers

for you bring us life and salvation
through Jesus Christ her Son
who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
One God, forever and ever. Amen.

Today's Solemnity is always celebrated on 1st January so as well as wishing everyone a very happy feast day, it also gives me an opportunity to wish you all . . .

A very Happy and Blessed New Year!