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January 1 marks a special day for Catholics around the world – it's the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. This holy day celebrates the important role that Mary plays in the Catholic faith as the mother of Jesus. It is believed that she was chosen by God to carry and give birth to his son, making her a symbol of love, devotion, and strength. The day also coincides with New Year's Day, making it a double celebration for many people. So let's start off the year by honoring and showing gratitude for this remarkable woman who has touched so many lives throughout history.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>431 AD</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Council of Ephesus</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Council of Ephesus confirms the title "Theotokos" or "God-bearer" for Mary, Mother of Jesus, strengthening her veneration among believers.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>7th Century</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Start of Mary Feasts</div><div class='timeline-text'>Earliest records of the feast of the Solemnity of Mary, a feast day dedicated to Mary's motherhood, began to appear.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1931</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Pope Pius XI Clarifies</div><div class='timeline-text'>Pope Pius XI firmly established the Solemnity of Mary on October 11 to coincide with the 15th centennial of the Council of Ephesus.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1969</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Date Moved to January 1</div><div class='timeline-text'>Pope Paul VI moved the Feast of the Solemnity of Mary to January 1, emphasizing Mary's role in the mystery of salvation.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Present</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Worldwide Observance</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Solemnity of Mary is observed by millions around the world, especially within the Catholic Church, to honor Mary as the Mother of God.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a special mass</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Check with your local church to see if they are holding a special mass in honor of the Solemnity of Mary. Attending mass is a great way to celebrate and honor this important day.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Say a rosary</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>The rosary is a powerful prayer dedicated to Mary, and saying one on the Solemnity of Mary is a beautiful way to celebrate her life and faith.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Have a traditional meal</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>In many cultures, it is traditional to have a special meal on the Solemnity of Mary. Do some research and try cooking a traditional dish to honor this day.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Make a donation in Mary's name</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Consider making a donation to a charity or organization that aligns with Mary's values and beliefs. This is a great way to give back and honor her on this special day.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a Marian shrine</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>If there is a Marian shrine or pilgrimage site near you, consider visiting it on the Solemnity of Mary. It can be a beautiful and spiritual experience to be in such a holy place on this important day.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It honors the mother of Jesus</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Solemnity of Mary is an important day in the Catholic Church as it commemorates the role of Mary, the mother of Jesus. She is highly revered and beloved by many Christians around the world.</p></div></div> <div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It is a reminder of Mary's virtues</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>On this day, many Catholics reflect on Mary's virtues such as her obedience, humility, and devotion to God. It serves as a reminder for us to strive towards these same virtues in our own lives.</p></div></div> <div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings people together in prayer</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Solemnity of Mary is often celebrated with special masses and prayers. This allows families and communities to come together to honor and pray to Mary. It can also serve as an opportunity to strengthen one's faith and connection to others through shared beliefs and traditions.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Solemnity of Mary is Also Known as the Mother of God</h3><p class='facts-content'>This Christian holiday is a liturgical celebration in honor of Mary, Jesus Christ's mother, venerating her as "Theotokos," which means "God-bearer" in Greek.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>It's Celebrated on January 1st</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Solemnity of Mary is traditionally celebrated on the first day of the New Year and is recognized as a Holy Day of Obligation, meaning Catholics are required to attend mass.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>It was Officially Instituted by Pope Paul VI</h3><p class='facts-content'>Though this celebration goes back to early Christianity, it was Pope Paul VI who, in 1967, officially declared January 1st as the Solemnity of Mary.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>It Reaffirms the Dogma of the Divine Maternity</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Solemnity of Mary largely serves to affirm church doctrine, particularly that of the Divine Maternity, confirmed at the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>It Stresses the Role of Mary's Fiat in Salvation History</h3><p class='facts-content'>By celebrating this solemnity, the Church accentuates the crucial role of Mary's "fiat," or "yes" to God, as narrated in the Annunciation, in the salvation of mankind.</p></div></div>
The Solemnity of Mary is celebrated on January 1st every year. In 2024, the date falls on a Monday.
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