The Most Holy Name of Mary

The Feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary, also known as the Feast of the Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is a liturgical celebration in the Catholic Church that honors the name of the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus. This feast day is observed on September 12th each year.

The Most Holy Name of Mary

The significance of this feast lies in the reverence and devotion to the name of Mary, which is considered highly sacred in Catholic tradition. Mary holds a special place in Catholic theology as the Mother of God and is venerated for her role in salvation history. The feast encourages Catholics to reflect on Mary's virtues, her humility, and her willingness to submit to the will of God.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, is a central figure in Christian theology and tradition. According to the New Testament of the Bible, Mary is described as a young Jewish woman who was chosen by God to be the mother of Jesus Christ, whom Christians believe to be the Son of God and the Savior of humanity.

The Feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary is a reminder of the power of Mary's intercession and the importance of her name in the life of the Church. It is a day for Catholics to seek her protection and guidance, as well as to honor and praise her as a model of faith and holiness. Liturgical celebrations, prayers, and devotions to Mary are common on this feast day, and it is an opportunity for believers to deepen their spiritual connection with her.

Mary's role in Christianity is significant, as she is seen as a symbol of purity, motherhood, and faith. Her story and her devotion hold a special place in Christian religious practices and traditions.

But where did the name "Mary" originate?

The name Mary is believed to have originated from the Hebrew name "Miriam" (מִרְיָם), which appears in the Old Testament of the Bible. Miriam was the name of several notable women in the Bible, including the sister of Moses and Aaron.

The name Mary has been translated and adapted into various forms in different languages. 

For example:

• In Latin: Maria
• In Spanish: María
• In Italian: Maria
• In French: Marie
• In German: Maria
• In Russian: Мария (Mariya)
• In Arabic: مَرْيَم (Maryam)

Mary has been one of the most enduringly popular names in Western history. It has been used for centuries and was especially prevalent in Christian-majority countries due to its religious significance. It has also been a common given name for queens, saints, and other notable figures.

I am very sure that you probably have at least one in your list of friends and even in the family that is named after Mary.