Reflection: The Most Holy Name of Mary

Saint Anne and Saint Joachim were inspired to call their daughter Mary. Today is the Feast Day of the Most Holy Name of Mary. On this special day, let us pray to her:

The Prayer of Saint Bernard:
Look to the star of the sea, call upon Mary. In danger, in distress, in doubt, think of Mary, call upon Mary. May her name never be far from your lips, or far from your heart. If you follow her, you will not stray; if you pray to her, you will not despair; if you turn your thoughts to her, you will not err. If she holds you, you will not fall; if she protects you, you need not fear; if she is your guide, you will not tire; if she is gracious to you, you will surely reach your destination.

There were many meanings given by the early Christian writers for Mary's name: "Myrrh of the Sea," "The Light Giver," "The Enlightened One," "Lady," "Seal of the Lord," and "Mother of the Lord." From the time of Saint Jerome (347-420) until the 16th century, the names given to Mary in the West were "Lady," "The Light Giver," and especially "Star of the Sea." Stella Maris was by far the favored interpretation. The Hebrew name of Mary, Miryãm, (in Latin Domina) means lady or sovereign. We call Mary our Lady and we call Jesus our Lord. When we say her name, we affirm her power to intercede to Jesus, we implore her aid and we place ourselves under her loving protection.

Mary was the first and perfect disciple of Jesus. She was a tabernacle for Jesus. She heard the Word of God, she kept and pondered it in her heart and she did what God asked her to do.

Mary heard, kept and did and she teaches us to do the same.

I am so grateful my parents named me Mary. I have felt a closeness to her since my early childhood. I felt honored to share her name. I always knew she was my Mother and that I could talk to her. Through praying the rosary and meditating on the mysteries of the lives of Jesus and Mary, my closeness to Mary continues to deepen and deepen.

Mary wants a close relationship with you. She loves you so much and she will always lead you to Jesus. Go to Mass and receive the Eucharist daily or as often as you can. After you receive the Eucharist, as you kneel in prayer, ask Mary to wrap her mantle around you, showering her graces upon you and keeping you under her mantle throughout the day. After you receive the Eucharist, you are a tabernacle holding Jesus. Thank Jesus for coming to you in the Eucharist and thank Him for Mary, your Mother. Pray the rosary with your family daily for peace in the world, peace in our country, peace in your family and peace in your heart.

When you are in distress or trouble, turn to Mary. Pray the Hail Mary. She is the Mother of God and she is your Mother. When you call her, she comes to you surrounded by her angels. Mary will always lead you to Jesus. Trust in her intercession and turn to her.

O sweet Mother Mary, we call upon your Most Holy Name and entrust our prayers to you, our Most Loving Mother.