January 1st is a Holy Day, the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. It is one of the oldest feasts in the Catholic liturgical calendar; in fact, it has been on the calendar for more than 1,500 years. As we close out the Christmas octave—the eight days following the birth of Christ—join us for Mass honoring Mary as the Mother of God.
MASS SCHEDULE
Monday, December 31 at 4:30 PM
Tuesday, January 1 at 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM
Monday, December 31 at 4:30 PM
Tuesday, January 1 at 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM
On this holy feast day, take a moment as we start our new year to honor our Blessed Mother, who in her “yes” to God brought our Savior into the world to redeem us.
"We implore her maternal intercession that the Church may become a home for many peoples, a mother for all peoples, and that the way may be opened to the birth of a new world. It is the Risen Christ who tells us, with a power that fills us with confidence and unshakeable hope: “Behold, I make all things new” (Rev 21:5).
With Mary we advance confidently towards the fulfillment of this promise, and to her we pray:
Mary, Virgin and Mother, you who, moved by the Holy Spirit, welcomed the word of life in the depths of your humble faith: as you gave yourself completely to the Eternal One, help us to say our own “yes” to the urgent call, as pressing as ever, to proclaim the good news of Jesus.
Filled with Christ’s presence, you brought joy to John the Baptist, making him exult in the womb of his mother. Brimming over with joy, you sang of the great things done by God. Standing at the foot of the cross with unyielding faith, you received the joyful comfort of the resurrection and joined the disciples in awaiting the Spirit so that the evangelizing Church might be born.
Obtain for us now a new ardour born of the resurrection, that we may bring to all the Gospel of life which triumphs over death. Give us a holy courage to seek new paths, that the gift of unfading beauty may reach every man and woman.
Virgin of listening and contemplation, Mother of love, Bride of the eternal wedding feast, pray for the Church, whose pure icon you are, that she may never be closed in on herself or lose her passion for establishing God’s kingdom.
Star of the new evangelization, help us to bear radiant witness to communion, service, ardent and generous faith, justice and love of the poor, that the joy of the Gospel may reach to the ends of the earth, illuminating even the fringes of our world.
Mother of the living Gospel, wellspring of happiness for God’s little ones, pray for us. Amen. Alleluia!"
–Francis
Evangelii Gaudium, 288