Solemnity of Mary the Holy Mother of God

Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, the Son and Word of God is celebrated on the Octave of the nativity of the Lord. She conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and the term Theotokos  (Greek for "God-bearer") was a succinct expression of the biblical teaching of the Incarnation. On 1 January every year we also celebrate the World day of Peace to stress the need for tolerance and care for each other.

Readings

Nm 6:22-27   The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace!   

Ps 67: 2-3,5,6,8. Response. May God bless us in His mercy.

Gal 4:4-7   God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts ...

Alleluia, alleluia, In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets; in these last days, he has spoken to us through the Son. Alleluia, alleluia.

Lk 2:16-21   The shepherds found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the crib ... When the eighth day came they gave him the name of Jesus.

Poem

A Christmas Carol by G. K. Chesterton

The Christ-child lay on Mary's lap,

His hair was like a light.

(O weary, weary were the world,

But here is all a-right.)

The Christ-child lay on Mary's breast

His hair was like a star.

(O stern and cunning are the kings,

But here the true hearts are.)

The Christ-child lay on Mary's heart,

His hair was like a fire.

(O weary, weary is the world,

But here the world's desire.)

The Christ-child stood on Mary's knee,

His hair was like a crown,

And all the flowers looked up at Him,

And all the stars looked down. 

Let us Pray

As January 1 is also the World Day of Peace we pray for all countries suffering from war. A page on this site has links to prayers for peace especially for Palestine and Israel.

Traditional prayer to Mary

It is timely on New Year’s Day to recite the prayer Salve Regina - Hail Holy Queen on this solemn feast of Mary Mother of God - Theotokos – God bearer.

Salve Regina – Hail Holy Queen   
Hail, holy Queen, Mother of Mercy!
Hail our life, our sweetness, and our hope!
To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve,
to thee do we send up our sighs,
mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.
Turn, then, most gracious advocate,
thine eyes of mercy toward us;
and after this our exile show unto us the
blessed fruit of thy womb Jesus;
O clement, O loving, O sweet virgin Mary.

V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

A prayer to Our lady for protection (te reo)

E oma atu ana mātou ki ā koe,

e te Whāea tapu o te Atua,

hei piringa mō mātou: aua e whakakino mai

ki a mātou īnoi i ō mātou mate, ēngari whakaorangia mātou i ngā mea whakamataku katoa, e te Takakau i whakakorōriatia,

ā, i whakapaingia.

Āmene.

             Adoration of the shepherds by Murillo.