Happy Birthday Mary!
We celebrate three birthdays in the church’s liturgy, Jesus, John, and Mary. Priests and other religious use a little book called the “Order of Prayer in the Liturgy of the Hours and Celebration of the Eucharist.” Or Ordo for short. The Church has planned readings for each day and for special celebrations we may include the Gloria or a sequence or any number of other liturgical options that a priest can choose from. It tells us what color vestments to wear, whether we can have a funeral that day or not, and what prayers to use at mass. Occasionally it will also give a very short explanation for the day. This is what it has for Mary’s Birthday.
“This fifth century feast marks the anniversary of the dedication of a basilica in Jerusalem built, according to tradition, on the location of the home of St. Anne, the mother of Mary.”
True, it does not claim that September 8th is the actual date, and it is not specified in Scripture. But this where tradition of the church plays a vital role.
I have been to that church. It feels right to say this is where Mary was born. As a matter of faith, I can accept the September 8th date. As with all things traditional, you can accept them with faith. The details are not really all that important.
Celebrate Mary’s birthday. Maybe an extra Hail Mary. Maybe a cupcake as a treat. Maybe a kind act for a beginning family. All would give honor to Mary.
May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen