January 1 | Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

The title, “Mother of God,” has been given to Mary by the faithful since the beginning of Christianity. The title “Theotokos,” (the “God-bearer”) was officially granted at the Council of Ephesus in 431. 

The doctrine is taken from the Incarnation, in which Jesus Christ, the son of God and second person of the Trinity, was conceived through the power of the Holy Spirit in the womb of the virgin Mary. Mary is the mother of Jesus and thereby the mother of God. 

Pope Paul VI instituted the official date in 1970 and this special solemnity serves as an excellent beginning for each new year. 

From the Vatican Website:
“The Church puts the feast of this solemnity on the first day of the New Year to emphasize the importance of Mary’s role in the life of Christ and of the Church. We commemorate the various saints on different days of the year, but Mary is the most prominent of them all.  She has a special role and mission given to her by God. As Mother of our Redeemer and of the redeemed, she reigns as Queen at the side of Christ the King. She is a powerful intercessor for all of our needs here on earth. In celebrating her special feast day, we acknowledge this great gift for the Church and world; we call on her to be actively involved in our daily life; we imitate her virtuous life as a great inspiration; and we cooperate with all the graces we get through her."