The Catholic Church begins the civil year by honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary under one of the most beautiful titles given to her: Mary, the Holy Mother of God. Celebrated on January 1, this solemnity directs our hearts to Mary and, above all, to the mystery of Jesus Christ whom she bore.
For Catholics, January 1 is not simply the first day of a new calendar year. It is an opportunity to begin the year with God, to place our lives under His protection, and to entrust our hopes, families, struggles, and intentions to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, is one of the Holy Days of Obligation recognized in the Latin Catholic Church in the United States. However, the observance of Holy Days can vary according to the particular country and the decisions of the local bishops’ conference. Canon 1246 establishes the framework for Holy Days of Obligation and permits bishops’ conferences, with approval from the Holy See, to transfer or suppress certain days.
Why is January 1 dedicated to Mary?
The Church celebrates Mary on January 1 because of her unique relationship to Jesus Christ. She is the Mother of Jesus, who is truly God and truly man.
The title Mother of God, or Theotokos, does not mean that Mary existed before God or that she is the source of Christ’s divinity. Rather, it expresses the truth that the child she bore is truly the Son of God made man.
The Church solemnly affirmed this teaching at the Council of Ephesus in 431.
Mary’s divine motherhood is therefore fundamentally about Jesus. When Catholics honor Mary, they are recognizing God’s work in her life and honoring the Savior whom she received into her womb.
How should Catholics celebrate January 1?
The most important way to observe a Holy Day of Obligation is participation in the Holy Mass where the obligation applies. Canon 1247 states that the faithful are obliged to participate in Mass on Sundays and other Holy Days of Obligation. Canon 1248 also explains that the obligation can be fulfilled by attending Mass on the feast itself or on the evening of the preceding day.
Catholics can also make January 1 a day of special prayer.
You might begin the new year by praying:
“Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us now and throughout this coming year.”
You can also pray for your family, your parish, the Church, those who are suffering, and those who have fallen away from the faith.
Mary teaches us how to begin the year
Mary’s life teaches us to begin everything with trust in God.
When the angel announced God’s plan to her, Mary responded with humility and faith. She did not know everything that would happen. She simply trusted God.
That makes January 1 particularly meaningful.
We may begin a new year without knowing what lies ahead. There may be blessings, difficulties, unexpected changes, joys, and trials.
Mary teaches us to say yes to God even when we cannot see the whole road ahead.
Prayer to Mary, Mother of God
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
as we begin this new year, place our lives under the protection of your maternal care.
Lead us closer to your Son, Jesus Christ.
Obtain for us the grace to remain faithful to God in every circumstance. Pray for our families, our children, our priests, the Church, and all those who are suffering.
Help us to begin this year with faith, hope, and love.
When difficulties come, teach us to trust God as you trusted Him.
Mother of God, pray for us and guide us always toward Jesus.
Amen.
Is January 1 a Holy Day of Obligation?
It depends on the country and local Catholic regulations. January 1 is included among the Holy Days named in Canon 1246, but bishops’ conferences may transfer or suppress certain obligations with approval from the Holy See.
What feast is celebrated on January 1?
The Catholic Church celebrates the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God.
Why is Mary called the Mother of God?
Because the child Mary bore, Jesus Christ, is truly the Son of God and truly human.
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