Holy Name of Mary 12th September

The Feast of the Holy Name of Mary is celebrated on September 12 in the Catholic Church.
It is a beautiful devotion honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary, focusing on the reverence, love, and power carried in her name. Just as the Name of Jesus is invoked for strength and protection, so too the Church has long held that Mary’s name brings comfort, grace, and help to the faithful.

Background
• The feast was first celebrated in Spain in 1513.
• Pope Innocent XI extended it to the universal Church in 1683 after the victory at the Battle of Vienna, when Christian forces, under King John Sobieski of Poland, defeated the Ottoman Turks. The victory was attributed to Mary’s intercession.
• The Holy Name of Mary is seen as a shield of protection for Christians, invoking her maternal care and guidance.

Spiritual Meaning
• Her name signifies motherhood, purity, intercession, and mercy.
• To invoke the name of Mary is to call upon her maternal protection, especially in times of danger, temptation, or distress.
• St. Bernard of Clairvaux said: “In dangers, in doubts, in difficulties, think of Mary, call upon Mary… you will never go astray.”

Devotions
• Many Catholics pray the Litany of the Holy Name of Mary.
• The feast is also connected to the Rosary, since invoking her name leads us to Jesus through Mary.