Feast Day: September 12
Today the Church honors the Most Holy Name of Mary, the beloved name of the Mother of Jesus. The Church’s calendar observes this celebration on September 12.
Mary’s name is precious to Christians because Mary herself is precious: she is the Mother of Our Lord Jesus Christ and the humble handmaid who gave her complete “yes” to God.
When we speak Mary’s name with love and devotion, we are reminded of the woman who carried Jesus in her womb, stood faithfully beneath His Cross, and remained united with the Apostles in prayer.
Mary never draws attention away from her Son. Her whole life points us toward Jesus.
A Name Filled with Grace
Mary was chosen by God for a unique role in salvation history. At the Annunciation, the Angel Gabriel announced to her that she would become the Mother of the Savior. Mary responded with humility and faith:
“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”
Her response teaches us an important lesson. True devotion to Mary always leads us to greater obedience to God.
Mary trusted God even when she did not know everything that would happen. She trusted Him at Bethlehem, during the years of Jesus’ hidden life, and especially at Calvary.
She teaches us to say “yes” to God even when the path ahead is difficult.
Why Catholics Honor the Name of Mary
The name of Mary has been honored by Christians for centuries.
Catholics turn to Mary as a loving mother and ask for her intercession. We do not worship Mary; we honor her because God honored her and chose her to be the Mother of His Son.
When we ask Mary to pray for us, we are asking the Mother of Jesus to bring our needs before her Son.
Mary’s greatest desire is always that we come closer to Christ.
Her words at Cana remain a beautiful lesson for every Christian:
“Do whatever he tells you.”
These words summarize Mary’s mission. She leads us to Jesus.
Mary, Mother of Hope
Many people come to prayer carrying burdens that they cannot explain to anyone else.
Some are praying for healing.
Some are worried about their families.
Some are struggling financially.
Some are praying for a child, a marriage, a conversion, or peace in their homes.
Others simply need strength to continue.
On this day, we can place these intentions into Mary’s hands and ask her to intercede for us.
Mary knew suffering herself. She knew what it meant to watch her beloved Son suffer and die upon the Cross.
Because of this, Christians have always found comfort in turning to her in times of sorrow and difficulty.
A Lesson from Mary
Mary teaches us three beautiful virtues:
Humility — She called herself the handmaid of the Lord.
Faith — She trusted God even when she could not see the whole plan.
Perseverance — She remained faithful to Jesus even beneath the Cross.
These are virtues we should ask God to develop in our own lives.
Today, rather than simply asking Mary for what we want, let us also ask her to help us become more like her: humble, faithful, prayerful, and completely devoted to Jesus.
Prayer to the Most Holy Name of Mary
O Most Holy Mary, Mother of God and our loving Mother, we come before you with confidence today.
Your name is precious to the hearts of your children because you are the Mother whom Jesus gave to us.
Pray for us, dear Mother, and bring our intentions before your Son.
When we are afraid, help us to trust.
When we are suffering, help us to persevere.
When we are confused, help us to seek God’s will.
When we have sinned, lead us back to the mercy of Jesus.
When we are discouraged, remind us that God never abandons those who place their trust in Him.
Mary, Mother of Hope, pray for us.
Mary, Mother of Grace, pray for us.
Mary, Mother of Jesus, pray for us.
(Mention your request here…)
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
A Prayer of Consecration to Mary
Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Jesus and my Mother, I place myself under your loving care.
Help me to follow your example of humility, obedience, purity, and faith.
Teach me to love Jesus more deeply and to remain faithful to Him throughout my life.
Take my prayers, my worries, my hopes, and my intentions and place them before your Son.
Help me to accept God’s will with a trusting heart.
May my life, like yours, always point toward Jesus.
Most Holy Mary, pray for me.
Amen.
Bible Verse for Today
“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”
Luke 1:46–47
Mary’s Magnificat reminds us that her greatness comes from the greatness of God. Her heart rejoiced because the Lord had looked upon her with love.
Today, let us learn from Mary to recognize God’s blessings and give Him thanks.
Closing Prayer
Mary, most loving Mother, on this day dedicated to your Most Holy Name, remember all who call upon you with faith.
Pray for those who are sick.
Pray for families who are struggling.
Pray for those who are searching for work.
Pray for those who are burdened by financial difficulties.
Pray for those who have lost hope.
Pray for those who have wandered far from God.
Pray for the conversion of sinners and for peace throughout the world.
And when our prayers seem unanswered, help us to remain faithful and to trust in God’s perfect wisdom.
Most Holy Name of Mary, be a source of hope to us.
Lead us always closer to Jesus.
Amen.
Today’s Reflection
Do I truly trust God as Mary trusted Him, especially when I cannot understand what He is doing in my life?
Today, repeat Mary’s beautiful words in your heart:
“May it be done to me according to your word.”
And whenever you feel afraid or discouraged, lovingly call upon the name of Mary and ask her to pray for you.
Leave us your prayers…