The Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Lives of the Saints
by Alban Butler, Benziger Bros. edition
[1894]
September 8.—THE NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN.
THE birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary announced joy and the near approach of salvation to the lost world.
Mary was brought forth in the world not like other children of Adam, infected with the loathsome contagion of sin, but pure, holy, beautiful, and glorious, adorned with all the most precious graces which became her who was chosen to be the Mother of God.
She appeared indeed in the weak state of our mortality; but in the eyes of Heaven she already transcended the highest seraph in purity, brightness, and the richest ornaments of grace.
If we celebrate the birthdays of the great ones of this earth, how ought we to rejoice in that of the Virgin Mary, presenting to God the best homage of our praises and thanksgiving for the great mercies He has shown in her, and imploring her mediation with her Son in our behalf!
Christ will not reject the supplications of His mother, whom He was pleased to obey whilst on earth. Her love, care, and tenderness for Him, the title and qualities which she bears, the charity and graces with which she is adorned, and the crown of glory with which she is honored, must incline Him readily to receive her recommendations and petitions.
The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Feast Mi 5:1-4a or Rom 8:28-30/Mt 1:1-16, 18-23 or 1:18-23 (636) Pss Prop.
*The Infant Mary lies in a tiny cradle at the foot of St. Anne’s bed, surrounded by doting angels. Anne’s husband, Joachim, brings his wife refreshment. This image is by sixteenth-century, German artist, Landshut.
**The Church celebrates today the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We do so on the Feast’s traditional fixed date of September 8, nine months after the December 8 celebration of her Immaculate Conception (as the child of Saints Joachim and Anne).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nativity_of_Mary
“Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?” Then I thought, “To this I will appeal: the years when the Most High stretched out his right hand. I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”
Ps 77:9–12