September 8 is the Catholic feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, commemorating the birth of Mary, the Mother of Jesus Christ. The Church celebrates Mary’s birth as the first dawning of redemption and as the beginning of the immediate preparation for the coming of the Savior.
Mary was born to be the mother of the Savior of the world, the spiritual mother of all men, and the holiest of God’s creatures. The arrival of a daughter in the home of Anne and Joachim “brought hope and the dawn of salvation for all the world”.
What the September 8 feast commemorates
This feast day commemorates the birth day of Mary. There are only three birthdays on the liturgical calendar: Mary, Jesus, and John the Baptist.
Usually, it is the custom to celebrate the feast day of a saint on the date of their death as that marks their “birth” into everlasting life. Mary, however, entered the world sinless (known as the “Immaculate Conception”).
All three were born without original sin, although Mary and Jesus were conceived without sin, and St. John was cleansed of original sin while in the womb at the Visitation of Mary.
Because of her Son's infinite merits, she was conceived and born immaculate and full of grace. In Mary all human nature is exalted.
Mary’s place in salvation history
Mary is called the firstborn of the redeemed and her nativity is “the hope of the entire world and the dawn of salvation” (Pope Paul VI, Marialis Cultus).
The Blessed Virgin has a pivotal role in the history of salvation, and she was given the highest mission ever commended to any creature. Mary’s birth is an announcement of the Nativity of Jesus, the prelude to the Good News.
On Our Lady's birthday the Church celebrates the first dawning of redemption with the appearance in the world of the Savior's mother, Mary. The Blessed Virgin occupies a unique place in the history of salvation, and she has the highest mission ever commended to any creature.
Through Mary comes Christ, the Light of the World. Through her, Queen of heaven and of earth, all grace is given to men.
Through her, by the will of the Trinity, the unbelieving receive the gift of faith; the afflicted are tendered the works of mercy; and the members of Christ grow in likeness of their Head.
We rejoice that the Mother of God is our Mother, too. Today and every day, let us often call upon the Blessed Virgin as “Cause of our joy”, one of the most beautiful titles in her litany.
Why September 8 is Mary’s birthday
The Gospel writers do not tell us where Mary was born, as it is of little importance. We only know that she was related to Elizabeth who lived in Judea. It is not impossible, therefore, that she herself was from Jerusalem.
Mary’s birth is not recorded in scripture but is found in the Protevangelium of James, an apocryphal writing from the 2nd century. An ancient tradition, found in the apocryphal Gospel of James, tells us of the parents of the Virgin, Joachim and Anne.
Usually, the Church assigns dates for particular feasts. The assignments can be based on the date of a saint’s death, a date that has special meaning in the saint’s life, or some other meaningful date.
In the case of the Nativity of the Blessed Mother, September 8 is the date that follows nine months after December 8, on which date the Church celebrates the feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary.
History of the feast
The Church of Jerusalem was the first to commemorate the Nativity of the Mother of God with a feast that Rome adopted most likely towards the end of the 7th century. It spread rapidly throughout the West, especially in France.
The Nativity of Mary is one of the great feasts of the Byzantine liturgical year because it inaugurates the economy of salvation and the inscription of the Word of God in the history of humankind.
Since the 6th century, people have worshipped in Jerusalem, near the pool of Bethesda, the place where the Virgin Mary was born.
It was in the Basilica of the Nativity of Mary that Saint John Damascene (Doctor of the Church 675-749) proclaimed, “Let us celebrate with great joy this day which saw the birth of the Mother of Christ, she who is the ‘beginning of salvation’”.
The liturgical meaning of light and joy
The liturgical celebration of this feast has a joyous theme of light: the world that had been shadowed in the darkness of sin sees a glimmer of light with the arrival of Mary.
Even before the birth of John the Baptist, that of Mary is an announcement of the Nativity of Jesus, the prelude to the Good News. This is why the Church invites us to celebrate it with joy.
Mary’s nativity is understood as the beginning of a new stage in God’s saving plan. Her birth prepares the way for the birth of Christ, through whom salvation enters human history.
September 8 in the Catholic liturgical calendar
The Church celebrates the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
| Liturgical date | September 8 |
|---|---|
| Principal feast | Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary |
| Other title | Birth of Mary |
| Other commemorations | St. Adrian, Martyr; St. Corbinian, Bishop and Martyr; St. Thomas of Villanova, Bishop and Confessor |
The Roman Martyrology states Mary was "of the lineage of Abraham, born of the tribe of Judah and of the progeny of King David, from whom the Son of God was born, made man by the work of the Holy Spirit, to free humanity from the ancient bondage of sin."
The collect for the feast asks God to grant heavenly grace so that Mary’s nativity may bring deeper peace to those for whom the birth of her Son was the dawning of salvation.
Marian feasts in September
In September, the Church celebrates three Marian feasts in one week: the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (8th September), the Holy Name of Mary (12th September) and Our Lady of Sorrows (15th September).
Mary’s birth and her divine motherhood are connected in prayer.
Traditions associated with the feast
Since September 8 marks the end of summer and beginning of fall, this day has many thanksgiving celebrations attached to it.
In the older form of the Roman Ritual there is a blessing of the fall planting seeds. In the older form of the Roman Ritual there is a blessing of the summer harvest and fall planting seeds for this day.
The winegrowers in France called this feast “Our Lady of the Grape Harvest.” The best grapes are brought to church to be blessed and then some bunches are attached to hands of the statue of Mary.
A festive meal which includes the new grapes is part of this day.
In the Alps section of Austria this day is “Drive-Down Day” during which cattle and sheep are led from their summer pastures in the slopes and brought to their winter quarters in the valleys.
This was usually a large caravan, done with decorations and festivity. This was usually a large caravan, with all the finery, decorations, and festivity.
In some parts of Austria, milk from this day and all the leftover food are given to the poor in honor of Our Lady’s Nativity.
How to celebrate the Nativity of Mary
Have a birthday party for Mama Mary! Have children decorate the house with leftover party supplies in honor of their heavenly mother.
Have a birthday party for Mary, with a specially decorated birthday cake and birthday decorations. Birthday parties don't need special explanations for children.
Blue is the fitting color for this feast day (it is symbolic of Mary’s blue mantle). Blue is the traditional color of Mary's mantle, so incorporating blue into the decor and food is quite appropriate.
Ask children to think of a birthday “gift” they can give to Mary: a prayer; an act of mercy; a small sacrifice; a virtue to work on; a handful of wildflowers to adorn a Marian statue; etc.
Have each child present a “gift” to their Mother Mary, such as spiritual bouquets, faults or virtues to work on, corporal works of mercy, etc.
Make a blue and white cupcake rosary (a “rosary” made out of cupcakes, mini cupcakes, or cookies. Sing “happy birthday” to Mary before enjoying this special dessert!
A simple white cake symbolizing Mary’s purity is also perfect for this feast day.
Try making an all white cake symbolizing Mary's purity, or cookies with white icing. White meringue cookies (or kisses) would also remind one of Mary's sinlessness.
Eat “blue” foods, like blueberries, on this Marian feast day!
Eat some form of blueberries on this day, particularly in the morning -- blueberry muffins or blueberry pancakes, blueberry pie or just fresh blueberries on your cereal. The blue is symbolic of Mary's blue mantle.
- Blueberry muffins or pancakes
- Blueberry pie
- Blueberry cobbler
- Fresh blueberries
Decorate the house, family table or family altar with flowers or special Marian decor.
Consider purchasing a Marian statue for your home. Creating a Marian garden in your yard is another beautiful way to honor Our Lady.
Start researching and planning a Mary Garden, or a special plant or flower for each feast day of Mary. This can be for next spring, but if some bulbs are to be included, this is the time to plant them!
Learn to make string knot rosaries to give as “favors.”
Prayers and hymns for September 8
Learn and memorize prayers to Mary, such as: the Angelus, Litany of Loreto, Memorare, Hail Mary, and Hail Holy Queen.
Learn prayers to Mary, such as the Angelus, Litany of Loreto, Memorare, Hail Mary, and Hail Holy Queen.
Learn a Marian hymn together as a family.
Learn and sing various hymns to Mary, such as the Salve Regina, Immaculate Mary, Hail Holy Queen.
- Regina Coeli
- Ave Maria
- Salve Regina
- Immaculate Mary
- Hail, Holy Queen
Pray a rosary - that’s the best way to say “happy birthday” to your heavenly mother!
Contemplate on how all the feasts of Mary point to the mysteries of Christ and our salvation history.
Suggested readings and devotions
Find out about the devotion to “Maria Bambina” (“Baby Mary”)
Find out about the devotion to Maria Bambina" or "Baby Mary."
Read the papal encyclical Redemptoris Mater (Mother of the Redeemer) written by Saint John Paul II.
Biblical readings: Proverbs 8:22-35 and Matthew 1:1-16 (this points to the appreciation of the heritage and family of Jesus).
Experience the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Lourdes:
- 9:00 a.m. - Chapel of St Cosmas & Damian
- 3:00 p.m. - Rosary at the Grotto
- 5:00 p.m. - Eucharistic Procession
- 9:00 p.m. - Torchlight procession
- 10:30 p.m. - Mass at the Grotto
The Virgin Mary is the patron saint of the Diocese of Tarbes and Lourdes and patron saint of Notre-Dame de la Sède Cathedral. 8th September is therefore the feast not only of the cathedral and but the whole Diocese!
A prayer for the Nativity of Mary
Have mercy on me, a sinner, and come to my aid, O my Lady. Your glorious birth from the race of Abraham, from the tribe of Judah, from the line of David, has it not brought joy to the whole world? May it also fill me with joy and purify me from all sin.
Anonymous prayer from the Middle Ages
Other commemorations on September 8
Saint Adrian, martyr
St. Adrian was a Herculian Guard of the Roman Emperor Galerius Maximian. After becoming a convert to Christianity with his wife Natalia, Adrian was martyred at Nicomedia on March 4, 306.
While presiding over the torture of a band of Christians, St. Adrian asked them what reward they expected to receive from God. They replied, "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him".
He was so amazed at their courage that he publicly confessed his faith, though he had not himself yet been baptised. He was then imprisoned himself.
He was forbidden visitors, but accounts state that his wife Natalia came to visit him dressed as a boy to ask for his prayers when he entered Heaven.
The next day his limbs were struck off on an anvil, and he was then beheaded, dying in the arms of Natalia.
After he was killed, Adrian and several other martyrs were taken to be burned. When the executioners began to burn their bodies, a thunderstorm arose and the furnace was extinguished; lightning killed several of the executioners.
Natalia had to be restrained to not throw herself on the fire when Adrian's body was being burned.
Christians took Adrian's body and buried him on the outskirts of Byzantium, at Argyropolis. Natalia went to live there herself, taking one of Adrian's hands which she had recovered.
When she herself died, she was buried with the martyrs.
St. Adrian was the chief military saint of Northern Europe for many ages, second only to St. George, and is much revered in Flanders, Germany and the north of France.
Patronage: Plague, epilepsy, arms dealers, butchers, guards, soldiers.
Symbols and representation: Depicted armed with an anvil in his hands or at his feet.
Saint Corbinian, bishop and martyr
St. Corbinian was a Frank who spent fourteen years as a hermit and then went to Rome, where Pope Gregory II consecrated him bishop and sent him to evangelize Germany. He was the first bishop of Freising in Bavaria.
Though St. Corbinian was a great Apostle of Bavaria, he was a native of Chartres, in France (born in 670, named Waldegiso, but his mother quickly changed it to Corbinian).
He lived alone in a cell close to a chapel for fourteen years. He was sought out for spiritual counsel, and the occurrence of miracles made his holiness further known.
Various people desired to form a community with him as their superior, but the disruption in his life caused by the duties that this undertaking required made him decide to go to Rome.
A tradition relates that on his way there, after a bear killed his pack horse, he had his servant place his pack on the back of the bear and proceeded with it to the Eternal City.
At some point, St. Corbinian was made a bishop, and Pope St. Gregory II sent him to Bavaria. In Freising, he preached with great success.
St. Corbinian had been protected by Duke Grimoald, but when the Duke disobeyed Church law and married the widow of his brother without a dispensation, Corbinian condemned the union.
The widow, Biltrudis, plotted to have Corbinian killed, but he fled to Meran.
Eventually the Duke died in battle. Corbinian returned on the invitation of Grimoald's successor, Huebert, and continued his work at Freising until he died in 730.
He was originally buried at a monastery he had founded in Meran, but his body was later moved to Freising.
The Freising Cathedral, also called Saint Mary and Corbinian Cathedral is a romanesque basilica in Freising, Bavaria named after St. Corbinian.
Patronage: Freising, Germany; Archdiocese of Munich, Germany.
Symbols and representation: Bear, bishop making a bear carry his luggage; bishop with a bear and mule.
Saint Thomas of Villanova, bishop and confessor
St. Thomas of Villanova (1488-1555), a great saint of the Spanish Renaissance and a good friend of Emperor Charles V. He was a man of infinite charity in word and deed and lived as frugally as the poor who benefited by his unstinted almsgiving.
St. Thomas was born in Spain in 1488, and inherited a special love toward the poor from his parents; he often gave away his very clothes.
After the death of his father and mother, he used his inheritance to sustain poor virgins.
He became a lecturer in the higher schools at Alcala, entered the order of the Hermits of St. Augustine in 1516 at Villanova, and acted as court preacher to Charles V.
Against his will he was made archbishop of Valencia (1544), then exercised the office as a zealous shepherd of souls and a great friend of the poor.
The bed in which he died was borrowed back from the one to whom he had given it as alms shortly before.
During the sixteenth century he was called the "apostle of the Spaniards."
While provincial of his order in Castile, he sent the first group of Augustinians to the Americas. Establishing themselves in Mexico, they were integral in the growth of Christianity in the New World.
Symbols and representation: open purse; wallet; bishop's mitre; book; bag of coins.
