Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Today is the day we celebrate the birthday of Mary, mother of Jesus. (That means that exactly 9 months ago, we celebrated the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary!) Christians have celebrated the life of this important woman since the 6th century, choosing a September date to fit with the beginning of the Eastern Church's new year.

There aren't many historical facts known about Mary's birth and early life, although pious stories abound. Her parents were Joachim and Anna (or Anne), and her conception and birth were nothing out of the ordinary, with one big exception. We believe that at the moment of her conception, God preserved her from original sin.
Please click here for a previous post about the Immaculate Conception of Mary.

So, what do you get the Mother of God for her birthday??! I'm sure she'd be pleased with a prayer of thanks for her courage, strength and love in saying 'yes' to God. And if you're looking for an 'official' one...

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you.

Blessed are you among women,
and blest is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners

now and at the hour of our death. Amen.