THE SIGNIFICANCE OF CELEBRATING THE BIRTHDAY OF MAMA MARIA

 


SIGNIFICANCE OF CELEBRATING THE BIRTHDAY (NATIVITY) OF MAMA MARIA

The Church celebrates the nativity of Mama Maria on September 8. This feast day is exactly nine months after the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th. The Church makes no claims as to the historical merit of either date. Rather, the date serves a liturgical purpose in recalling the mysteries associated with Mama Maria, in the same way as the nine months on the calendar between the Annunciation and Christmas.


The birthday (nativity) of Mama Maria marks the beginning of salvation history and the plan of God for human redemption, thereby highlighting the unique role of Mama Maria as Mother of the Savior and intercessor. It means that the celebration of the nativity of Mama Maria is significant in Catholicism and even beyond. The feast day serves as a reminder of the grace of God upon and promises, a celebration of the value of all human life, and an opportunity for Catholics to renew their faith and commitment to God.  


Only three birthdays are celebrated on the Churchs liturgical calendar, the Nativity of Our Lord (December 25th), the Nativity of John the Baptist (June 24th), and the Nativity of Mama Maria on September 8th. Thus, the Church uniquely honors the three principal figures connected to the Incarnation and the Redemption.


The nativity of Mama Maria lies at the confluence of the two Testaments; bringing to an end the stage of expectation and the promises, and inaugurating the era of grace and salvation in Jesus Christ. Her nativity is ordained in particular toward her mission as Mother of the Savior. Her existence is indissolubly connected with that of Christ: it partakes of a unique plan of predestination and grace. The mysterious plan of God regarding the Incarnation of the Word embraces also the Virgin who is His Mother. In this way, the birth of Mama Maria, as that of her Divine Child, is inserted at the very heart of the History of Salvation.


Birthday celebrations bring happiness to the celebrant as well as to family and friends. Next to the birth of Jesus, the birth of Mama Maria offers the greatest possible happiness to the world. Each time we celebrate her birth, we can confidently hope for an increase of peace in our hearts and in the world at large.


SIGNIFICANCE OF THE NATIVITY OF MAMA MARIA IN SALVATION HISTORY

It is a fulfillment of the promises of God to human race. The nativity of Mama Maria signals the end of the period of expectation in the Old Testament and the inauguration of the new covenant, thereby bringing the grace of God to the world through Jesus Christ. 


It has a profound connection to the incarnation of Christ Jesus. Her birth sets the stage for the Incarnation, as her existence was necessary for the redemption of the world through her Son, Jesus Christ. 


The nativity of Mama Maria is a Confluence of the Testaments as her birth is seen as a pivotal event, marking the point where the promises of God to humanity began to be fulfilled in a tangible way. 


THE NATIVITY OF MAMA MARIA SHOWS HER UNIQUE ROLE 

Mama Maria is the mother of the Saviour. The feast day emphasizes her ordained mission as the mother of Jesus, the second person of the Blessed Trinity. 


The feast day emphasizes her role as the intercessor and spiritual mother. Mama Maria is a tender, loving, and constant helper who intercedes for humanity and leads people to Christ. 


This feast day emphasizes Mama Maria as the source of Joy. As the Cause of our joy, she is a reminder of hope and renewal, channeling grace to mankind. 



SPIRITUAL AND CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE NATIVITY OF MAMA MARIA

The feast day of the nativity of Mama Maria is a call to faith. The celebration encourages Catholics to reflect on their own lives, their relationship with God, and to deepen their faith and commitment to God. 


The celebration of the nativity of Mama Maria is a reminder of the value of Life. It reminds us of the sanctity and God-given purpose of every human life. 


Culturally, in various regions, the feast of the nativity of Mama Maria is marked by specific traditions like the Monti Fest in India, which includes thanksgivings for the harvest. 



LITURGICAL PRACTICES

The faithful can celebrate the birthday of Mama Maria and honor her, in many ways. Since Mama Maria always points us to her Son, we can attend Mass that day. We can read Scripture concerning her role in salvation, such as the Annunciation, the Visitation, or the Wedding Feast at Cana. And we can pray the Most Holy Rosary.


Especially for those celebrating with children, the faithful could have a birthday cake or a small party in honor of the birthday of Mama Maria.


“The most Blessed Virgin Mary, in the first instant of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege granted by almighty God, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, the savior of the human race, was preserved free from all stain of original sin. -Pope Pius IX


MASS AND READINGS: Special masses are celebrated with readings focusing on Mary's place in salvation history. 


PRAYER AND DEVOTION: The day involves special hymns and prayers, such as the Rosary, processions, and novenas in her honor. 


FAMILY CELEBRATIONS: In some cultures, like the Konkan region and the state of Goa all on the western coast of India, it is a significant family celebration, often involving a festive meal with new crops. 




NOTE: Is Saint Joachim in the Bible?

It is probable that Joachim is named in the genealogy of Jesus back to Adam (Luke 3:23-38). Here Heli, a short form of Eliachim or Jehoachim, is given. This tradition would then account for Joachim appearing in a second-century apocryphal work, which also provides the name of his wife as Anne.


Who is the father of Joachim?

When we look at the genealogy of Jesus in the Gospel of St. Luke 3:23-24, we see that the father of Heli (Joachim) is Matthat.


THE STORY BEHIND THE NATIVITY OF MAMA MARIA

Although their story is not in Sacred Scripture, according to a pious tradition, Saints Anne and Joachim had been infertile throughout their married lives. Then, like Sarah (Genesis 21:2) and Elizabeth (Luke 1), Saint Anne conceived in her old age. This child was the Blessed Virgin Mary.


Mama Maria was conceived and born in the normal way. However, having been justified at her conception (the Immaculate Conception), rather than in the womb as John the Baptist (Luke 1:41), or by Baptism, as we are, she was born full of grace (Luke 1:28). In this gift of God she grew by her cooperation without sinning to the end of her life.

© Rev Fr Utazi Prince Marie Benignus Zereuwa

September 10 2025

Memorial of Saint Peter Clever



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