Saturday, September 08, 2007

Feast Day - Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mother

MBPicture source and the following introduction to this lovely Marian devotion is from: Maria Bambina
The Italian words "Maria Bambina" mean "Baby Mary." Although the Holy Childhood of the Blessed Virgin, under the image of Our Lady as an infant, is honored in Mexico , Poland and Italy, relatively few Catholics in the United States know of this devotion. Several saints, including St. John Eudes, St. Joseph Cupertino and St. Padre Pio loved to contemplate the Blessed Mother as a baby. Reflecting on Our Blessed Mother as an infant and child will enrich your love and devotion to her as it did for these saints. As the perfect disciple of Jesus Christ, Our blessed Mother imitated Our Lord in all of His virtues. She imitated, in advance, the virtues of Our Lord's Holy Childhood.

The following is from St. Michael Center for the Blessed Virgin Mary
The feast on the Nativity of Mary is honored on September 8. Her birth was miraculous as she was conceived without sin as a special grace because God had selected her to become the mother of His Son, the spiritual mother of all men, and the holiest of God's creatures. 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. In Mary all human nature is exalted. We rejoice in her birthday, as the Church has done from the earliest times.

"She is the flower of the field from whom bloomed the precious lily of the valley. Through her birth the nature inherited from our first parents is changed."
- St. Augustine

4 comments:

Marie said...

"She is the flower of the field from whom bloomed the precious lily of the valley. Through her birth the nature inherited from our first parents is changed."


Loved this reflection. Thankyou Esther:).

Peace & blessings to you:)

Marie

EC Gefroh said...

You are very welcome Marie!
God bless,

Mimi said...

Happy Feast Day, or as we say in the Eastern Church "S'praznikom"

EC Gefroh said...

Happy Feast Day Mimi!