The Feast of the Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which commemorates her role as the Mother of God (Theotokos), is a celebration deeply rooted in the early Church’s understanding of the Incarnation and its reverence for Mary’s unique place in salvation history.
Origins and Development of the Feast
The dogma of Mary’s divine motherhood was solemnly affirmed at the Council of Ephesus in 431, where she was declared Theotokos, meaning “God-bearer” or “Mother of God.” This title recognized that the person she bore in her womb was none other than Jesus Christ, fully God and fully man. Mary’s divine motherhood is central to understanding her role in the mystery of Christ and the Church.
Although devotion to Mary’s maternity existed from the early centuries of the Church, a formal feast dedicated to this aspect of her life began to be celebrated much later. The feast of the Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary was introduced into the Roman liturgical calendar by Pope Pius XI in 1931, to commemorate the 1500th anniversary of the Council of Ephesus. It was originally celebrated on October 11 and aimed to emphasize both Mary’s unique relationship with Jesus and her ongoing spiritual motherhood over the Church.
Mary as the New Eve and Spiritual Mother
Theologically, Mary’s maternity is not only physical but also spiritual. The Church Fathers, such as St. Irenaeus, saw her as the “New Eve,” who, through her obedience and fiat (“Let it be done”), untied the knot of Eve’s disobedience. As Eve was the mother of all the living in the natural sense, so Mary is the mother of all the living in a spiritual sense, for she gave birth to the Redeemer who brings eternal life.
St. John, in his Gospel (19:26-27), records Jesus’ words to Mary and the beloved disciple at the foot of the Cross: “Woman, behold your son. Son, behold your mother.” In this moment, Jesus entrusts all of humanity to Mary’s maternal care, extending her maternity beyond the singular event of the Incarnation to encompass the Church as a whole.
Devotion to Mary’s Motherhood
Traditional Catholic devotions to the Maternity of Mary often focus on her unique cooperation in the work of salvation. By giving her consent to God’s plan, Mary becomes not only the Mother of God but also a model for all Christians in her total submission to God’s will. Many prayers, such as the Sub Tuum Praesidium (“Under Your Protection”), which dates to the 3rd century, call upon Mary’s maternal intercession for the protection and guidance of the faithful.
Additionally, the Rosary—particularly the Joyful Mysteries—reflects on the profound mystery of Mary’s motherhood. The Annunciation, Visitation, and Nativity all emphasize her role in bringing the Savior into the world. In the Litany of Loreto, titles like “Mother of the Church,” “Mother Most Pure,” and “Mother of Divine Grace” further express the depth of Marian devotion tied to her maternity.
Liturgical and Spiritual Significance
The feast of the Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary invites the faithful to reflect on the mystery of Christ’s Incarnation and the indispensable role of Mary in God’s plan of salvation. It underscores her maternal care for the Church and encourages all Christians to seek her intercession as a loving mother.
In the traditional Roman calendar, this feast day emphasizes both doctrine and devotion. It highlights the Church’s long-standing veneration of Mary as the Mother of God, a truth integral to Christology. By honoring Mary’s maternity, the Church also affirms the humanity of Christ, for it is through Mary that God truly became man.
In sum, the Feast of the Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary calls us to a deeper appreciation of Mary’s unique place in salvation history and encourages the faithful to turn to her as their spiritual mother.