Solemnity of Mary

Solemnity of Mary History

The Solemnity of Mary is a significant religious observance within the Catholic Church that marks the honor bestowed upon Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ. The observance recognizes and celebrates her role, acknowledging her as a vital figure in the Christian faith. It particularly highlights the belief in her immaculate conception and maternity of God through Jesus, often reflecting sentiments of piety, love, and respect toward her.

The observance is traced back to the early Christian Church, though it wasn't until the 20th century that Pope Pius XI approved its liturgical feasting. Canadian Catholics comprise approximately 38% of the nation's population and maintain a solid devotion to Mary. For them, the Solemnity of Mary isn't merely a mandated observance but an opportunity to express their deep reverence for Mary as the Mother of God, mirroring the country's rich tradition of Marian devotion.

In Canada, the actual practices and traditions surrounding the observance of the Solemnity of Mary can vary. Generally, it includes attending Mass, reciting special prayers like the Rosary, and participating in various church activities. Particularly in Quebec, where devotion to Mary has historically been intense, the feast day is characterized by processions and communal prayers. The Solemnity of Mary is commonly celebrated on January 1st and is officially recognized within the Catholic Church globally. However, this date can sometimes change in certain parts of Canada to accommodate local traditions and Catholic practices.

Facts about Solemnity of Mary

• The Solemnity of Mary was at one time part of three feasts on January 1. They included the octave of the Lord, a recap of Christmas, and the Circumcision of the Lord. Many Catholics believe that the blood baby Jesus shed on his circumcision day was the beginning of his ministry as Redeemer.
• In Roman Catholicism, Mary is referred to as the Queen of Peace, since the Messiah is referred to as the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). The Solemnity of Mary is also World Day of Prayer for Peace in the Catholic Church.
• The Canadian city of Montreal has a deep connection with the Virgin Mary. The city was originally named Ville-Marie, or City of Mary, and its coat of arms features an image of the Virgin Mary.
• The holiday's origins can be traced back to the Council of Ephesus in the year 431, where Christians started to dedicate a feast day to the Virgin Mary.

In the News and Trending in Canada for Solemnity of Mary

Top things to do in Canada for Solemnity of Mary

• Pray for peace around the world. A popular prayer for this is the famous Prayer of St. Francis:

  Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. O, Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love; For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; it is in dying that we are born again to eternal life.

• Study how Mary's role has changed in the Roman Catholic Church. Pope Pius VII wrote about the dogma concerning the assumption of Mary in 1950. The belief proclaims that Mary didn't die but ascended into heaven like Christ did after his resurrection. Mary's assumption doesn't appear in scripture, but is referred to in early church writings. This dogma is a major theological difference between the Roman Catholic Church and Protestant denominations.
• Reflect on the celebration with a movie that explores Catholic traditions, including the veneration of Mary, or "Marian devotions". Here are our suggestions:
  Full of Grace (2015), it depicts the final days of Mary, the mother of Jesus, Mary of Nazareth (2012), it portrays the life of Mary from her childhood through the Resurrection, The First Silent Night (2014), it is a documentary that examines the origins of Christian celebrations.
• Traditional holiday food and drinks like Tourtière (meat pie typically made with minced pork, veal, or beef), Mini Maple Pancake Muffins (served with maple syrup for a classic Canadian flavor) and
  Caesar (a drink made from vodka, Clamato juice, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, served in a glass rimmed with celery salt.
  are on the menu.