January 1 is the Solemnity of Saint Mary
January 1 is the Solemnity of Saint Mary, Mother of God, celebrated by the Catholic Church. This celebration is dedicated to Mary, the mother of Jesus, and recognizes her unique role in salvation history. The solemnity celebrates Mary as the Mother of God, a title given to her because of her motherhood of Jesus Christ, who is considered both God and man in Christian doctrine.
The feast was officially established at the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD, where it was declared that Mary should be called "Theotokos" (meaning "God-bearer" or "Mother of God"). The date of January 1 was chosen because it is also the Eighth Day of Christmas, the time when, according to Jewish tradition, the baby Jesus was circumcised, and the Church celebrates the name of Jesus.
The Solemnity of Saint Mary, Mother of God is a day to honor Mary and reflect on her role as intercessor between humanity and her Son.
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