Today we not only honor the Blessed Virgin Mary, but her Holy Name itself. This feast originated in Spain in the 16th century and was extended to the universal Church by Pope Innocent XI in 1683 as a thanksgiving for the Christian victory over the Ottoman Turks at the Siege of Vienna. Her name became a battle cry that brought hope and unity in the face of violence and despair.
Many titles have been attributed to Mary. In the fourth century, Saint Ambrose wrote, “O Mary, your Name is like a fragrance that carries with it the sweetness of divine grace,” and Saint Bernard wrote about how simply invoking her Name causes demons to flee.
The feast was removed from the liturgical calendar after Vatican II, deeming it too similar to the Nativity of Mary, which we just celebrated on September 8, but Saint Pope John Paul II restored the feast in 2003, renewing appreciation for Marian devotion.
Today we pray for the Blessed Mother’s intercession that she may guide us with her maternal love to know her son, Christ, better and protect us from the evils and distractions that keep us away from truth. In a particular way, we ask Mary to intercede for the victims of the recent violence, in particular those who were targeted because of their faith. We pray also for the families and communities who have been impacted by these catastrophes, that they might seek comfort and consolation with Mary, Help of Christians.
In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Mary, Queen of all in Heaven and on Earth,
You were given a Name of honor, exalted by God;
You were given a Holy Name and called Full of Grace;
You were given a maternal Name to intercede for us;
and You were given a Name of refuge,
so that we as broken beings can come to find rest in you.
Amen.
Mary, Help of Christians, intercede for us.
In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Tomorrow’s saint of the day is Saint John Chrysostom.
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