The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a Christian feast celebrated on 8 September, commemorating the birth of the woman who, according to the Christian faith, was chosen by God to become the mother of Jesus Christ. This birth, shrouded in mystery and piety, marks the beginning of a sacred story that will lead to the incarnation of God on Earth. Although the story of Mary's birth does not appear in the canonical Gospels, it is recounted in several apocryphal writings, in particular the Protoevangelium of James, a text that has profoundly influenced Christian tradition.
The context of Mary's birth
Christian tradition places Mary's birth in a pious and devoted family, that of Joachim and Anne. According to the stories, this couple lived in Jerusalem, and although they were faithful to the Law of Moses and charitable towards the poor, they had no children. In those days, sterility was often considered a divine disgrace. Joachim and Anne suffered deeply from this ordeal, but they kept their faith in God. Their fervent prayer and trust in God's mercy would soon be rewarded.
Joachim, in his sadness, withdrew into the desert to fast and pray, asking God to grant him a child. Anne, left alone in Jerusalem, also implored God with all her heart. According to tradition, it was during this period of intense prayer that the Archangel Gabriel appeared to Anne, announcing that she would give birth to a daughter blessed among all women, destined to play a unique role in the history of salvation. Shortly afterwards, Joachim also received a divine vision, confirming this good news.
Mary's birth was therefore considered a miracle and a divine gift. Anne gave birth to her daughter with joy and gratitude. The parents, aware of the greatness of the mission awaiting her, consecrated Mary to God as soon as she was born. This gesture prefigured her future vocation, that of becoming the Mother of Jesus, the Saviour of the world.
The role of the Virgin Mary in the plan of salvation
Mary occupies a central place in Christian tradition as the mother of Jesus Christ, and her nativity takes on a special significance in the history of salvation. Her very existence is seen as a preparatory act for the Incarnation of the Divine Word. Indeed, Mary was chosen to be the one through whom God would become flesh, in humility and purity.
Christians believe that, from the moment of her conception, Mary was preserved from original sin, a dogma called the Immaculate Conception, officially proclaimed by the Catholic Church in 1854. This means that God, in his wisdom and love, had planned to protect Mary from sin so that she would be a pure and worthy sanctuary to receive the Son of God within her. This unique privilege, reserved for the Mother of God, shows the importance of her person in the economy of salvation.
The feast of the nativity of Mary is therefore a moment of gratitude to God for this precious gift to humanity. It is a reminder that divine grace is at work in human history, and that, through Mary, the world was to receive light and redemption. This feast day is also an opportunity to meditate on Mary's virtues: her unshakeable faith, her humility, and her total obedience to the divine will.
The celebration of the nativity of Mary
In the Church, the feast of the nativity of the Virgin Mary is celebrated with great devotion. It is one of the few liturgical feasts that commemorates the birth of a saint, as most others focus on death or entry into heaven. This underlines Mary's unique importance in the Christian faith.
The liturgies on this day are filled with praise and hymns in honour of the Virgin, and the Gospels read at Mass recall her place in the plan of salvation. In many cultures, processions, prayers and novenas are organised to honour the one who is often called the "Mother of the Church".
Some churches and shrines dedicated to Mary, such as the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré in Canada or Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, attract pilgrims who come to celebrate this special day. The faithful pray for Mary's protection and intercession, as she is seen as a mediator between humanity and her Son.
Spiritual significance
The nativity of the Virgin Mary has a profound spiritual significance for believers. It marks the fulfilment of the divine promise of salvation. Mary's birth prepares the way for the coming of Jesus Christ, and her entire life is a model of holiness and devotion. She embodies trust in God and total abandonment to his will. For Christians, Mary is an example to follow in their own spiritual journey.
Thus, the feast of the nativity of Mary is not just a historical reminder, but also an invitation to deepen our faith and turn to God with the same humble and trusting heart as that of the Virgin.
In short, the nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a celebration of hope and faith. It reminds us that God works through the humble and the little ones, and that his plan of salvation has been in motion since the birth of her who was to become the Mother of our Redeemer. It is a moment of joy for the universal Church, a feast that brings us back to the essentials of the Christian faith: the love of God manifested through the simple and extraordinary events of human history.
