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The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God is on January 1, 2026.

About the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

The Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God is a principal feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary celebrated by the Catholic Church on January 1st, the Octave (eighth) Day of Christmas. It honors Mary's role as the *Theotokos* (Greek for "God-bearer" or "Mother of God"), affirming the divinity of her Son, Jesus Christ. It is also designated as the World Day of Peace.

Dogma: Mary, Theotokos

The title "Mother of God" is the highest honor bestowed upon Mary. It doesn't mean Mary existed before God or created God, but rather that the person she conceived and bore, Jesus Christ, is truly God incarnate.

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Affirming Christ's Divinity

Calling Mary "Mother of God" directly affirms the belief that Jesus is one divine person with two natures (divine and human). Mary gave birth to the *person* of Jesus, who is God.

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Council of Ephesus (431 AD)

This ecumenical council officially defined the dogma of Mary as Theotokos, condemning the Nestorian heresy which sought to separate Christ's divinity from his humanity and called Mary only *Christotokos* (Christ-bearer).

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Biblical Foundation

Foundations include Elizabeth's greeting, "And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" (Luke 1:43), where "Lord" (Kyrios) is used in reference to God.

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Mary's Highest Title

This title is central to Marian devotion and underscores her unique role in the history of salvation as the vessel through whom God entered the world.

History and Placement

The celebration on January 1st has evolved over time:

Ancient Roots: Devotion to Mary as Mother of God is ancient, affirmed strongly after the Council of Ephesus. Early celebrations focused on Mary were often linked to Christmas.
Octave of Christmas: January 1st falls exactly one week after Christmas Day, marking the octave day. Historically, this day also commemorated the Circumcision of Jesus, reflecting his submission to Jewish law.
Feast Evolution: For centuries, January 1st was primarily focused on the Circumcision. While Marian feasts existed, a universal feast specifically honoring Mary's Divine Maternity on Jan 1st was established more recently in the liturgical calendar.
Liturgical Reform (1969): Following the Second Vatican Council, the Roman Calendar reform emphasized Mary's role as Mother of God on this day, aligning with ancient tradition and the Christmas season's focus on the Incarnation. The Circumcision aspect became secondary.
World Day of Peace: In 1967, Pope Paul VI designated January 1st as the World Day of Peace, adding another layer of significance to the date, praying for peace under Mary's patronage.

How the Solemnity is Observed

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Holy Day of Obligation

In many countries, including the United States, it is a Holy Day of Obligation, requiring Catholics to attend Mass.

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Liturgical Readings

Mass readings focus on Mary's role in salvation history, the naming of Jesus (linking to the former Circumcision focus), and blessings for the New Year (Numbers 6:22-27).

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Liturgical Color: White or Gold

Symbolizing joy, purity, glory, and the divine nature associated with both Mary's role and the Christmas season.

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Marian Hymns

Hymns honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary are prominently featured in the liturgy.

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Prayers for Peace

As the World Day of Peace, special prayers and intentions for peace throughout the world are included in the Mass and encouraged among the faithful.

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Start of the Civil New Year

The feast coincides with New Year's Day, offering a spiritual dimension to the start of the civil year, placing it under the patronage of Mary and praying for God's blessing.

Related Countdowns

🎄Christmas 🎉New Year's Day ⭐Epiphany 🕊️Annunciation