Mary Mother of God

The Church Fathers gave witness in the following passages to their recognition of the sacred truth and great gift as Mother of God, that was bestowed upon Mary, the humble handmaid of the Lord. Today we celebrate the Feast Day of Mary Mother of God.

Irenaeus "The Virgin Mary, being obedient to his word, received from an angel the glad tidings that she would bear God" (Against Heresies, 5:19:1 [A.D. 189]).

Hippolytus "[T]o all generations they [the prophets] have pictured forth the grandest subjects for contemplation and for action. Thus, too, they preached of the advent of God in the flesh to the world, his advent by the spotless and God-bearing (theotokos) Mary in the way of birth and growth, and the manner of his life and conversation with men, and his manifestation by baptism, and the new birth that was to be to all men, and the regeneration by the laver [of baptism]" (Discourse on the End of the World 1 [A.D. 217]).

Gregory the Wonderworker "For Luke, in the inspired Gospel narratives, delivers a testimony not to Joseph only, but also to Mary, the Mother of God, and gives this account with reference to the very family and house of David" (Four Homilies 1 [A.D. 262]). "It is our duty to present to God, like sacrifices, all the festivals and hymnal celebrations; and first of all, [the feast of] the Annunciation to the holy Mother of God, to wit, the salutation made to her by the angel, ‘Hail, full of grace!’" (ibid., 2).

Peter of Alexandria "They came to the church of the most blessed Mother of God, and ever-virgin Mary, which, as we began to say, he had constructed in the western quarter, in a suburb, for a cemetery of the martyrs" (The Genuine Acts of Peter of Alexandria [A.D. 305]).

Methodius "While the old man [Simeon] was thus exultant, and rejoicing with exceeding great and holy joy, that which had before been spoken of in a figure by the prophet Isaiah, the holy Mother of God now manifestly fulfilled" (Oration on Simeon and Anna 7 [A.D. 305]).

Cyril of Jerusalem "The Father bears witness from heaven to his Son. The Holy Spirit bears witness, coming down bodily in the form of a dove. The archangel Gabriel bears witness, bringing the good tidings to Mary. The Virgin Mother of God bears witness" (Catechetical Lectures 10:19 [A.D. 350]).

Ephraim the Syrian "Though still a virgin she carried a child in her womb, and the handmaid and work of his wisdom became the Mother of God" (Songs of Praise 1:20 [A.D. 351]).

Athanasius "The Word begotten of the Father from on high, inexpressibly, inexplicably, incomprehensibly, and eternally, is he that is born in time here below of the Virgin Mary, the Mother of God" (The Incarnation of the Word of God 8 [A.D. 365]).

Let us pray to Mary beginning on this first day of January through January ninth, asking Mary for her protection over all these babies and little ones.

Mother of God Novena Prayer

Lord Jesus, we come before you this day mindful of the presence of your Mother Mary.

As we pray this novena we are aware of how Mary proclaimed her yes – her Fiat with joy. We reflect on how Mary lived each and every event in her life with deep trust in God, with the assurance that God was with her every step of the way and with the love of God constantly dwelling within her being.

During this novena may we grow in our trust in God, deepen our longing to know God and proclaim everyday our belief in the almighty and everlasting God who is constantly calling us to live a grace filled life.

Like Mary may we be able to say Yes – to proclaim our Fait - with the sure and constant faith that allowed Mary to walk the path of life God called her to live. We ask this in your name. Amen