Solemnity of Mary

Solemnity of Mary History

The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, is a Catholic liturgical feast celebrated on January 1st every year. It marks the beginning of the new year in the Church's liturgical calendar. The feast day became an official Church celebration in 1931 when Pope Pius XI instituted it to be held universally in honor of Mary's divine motherhood.

The Solemnity of Mary has been celebrated in Australia since the earliest days of Catholicism. The first recorded instance of the feast day being celebrated in Australia dates back to the 19th century, when the first Catholic bishop, John Bede Polding, instituted it in the country. The feast day has since become an important part of the Catholic Church's liturgical calendar in the country, with many churches across Australia holding special masses and other activities to celebrate the occasion.

The Solemnity of Mary holds great significance in the Catholic Church. It honors Mary's role as the Mother of God and emphasizes her unique role in saving humankind through her son, Jesus Christ. It is also a day of reflection and renewal, marking a new beginning and an opportunity to start the year with renewed faith and dedication to the Catholic faith.

Facts about Solemnity of Mary

• The Solemnity of Mary was at one time part of three feasts on January 1. They included the octave of the Lord, a recap of Christmas, and the Circumcision of the Lord. Many Catholics believe that the blood baby Jesus shed on his circumcision day was the beginning of his ministry as Redeemer.
• In Roman Catholicism, Mary is referred to as the Queen of Peace, since the Messiah is referred to as the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). The Solemnity of Mary is also World Day of Prayer for Peace in the Catholic Church.
• In 2021, the Australia states of Victoria and Tasmania proposed to make the Solemnity of Mary a non-public holiday to increase the total number of non-trading public holidays in those states. These changes are still being discussed.
• Mary MacKillop, the first Australian to be recognized as a saint by the Catholic Church, took the name Mary of the Cross in honor of Mary, Mother of God.

In the News and Trending in Australia for Solemnity of Mary

Top things to do in Australia for Solemnity of Mary

• Pray for peace around the world. A popular prayer for this is the famous Prayer of St. Francis:

  Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. O, Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love; For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; it is in dying that we are born again to eternal life.

• Study how Mary's role has changed in the Roman Catholic Church. Pope Pius VII wrote about the dogma concerning the assumption of Mary in 1950. The belief proclaims that Mary didn't die but ascended into heaven like Christ did after his resurrection. Mary's assumption doesn't appear in scripture, but is referred to in early church writings. This dogma is a major theological difference between the Roman Catholic Church and Protestant denominations.
• For the Solemnity of Mary it is common to eat roast Lamb (with garlic and rosemary), Australian meat Pie, and classic Australian dessert Pavlova (made with meringue, fresh cream, and fruits). Remember to pair it with a famous Aussie beer or a cider, which makes it perfect for a celebration.
• During this time it is common to participate in a acts of charity, praying with a rosemary and reflecting, creating a home altar, attending a mass or a procession.