History & Biographies

Why Catholics Celebrate The Feast of the Holy Name of Mary

The Feast of the Holy Name of Mary is celebrated annually on September 12, just four days after the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary on September 8. This feast honors the name given to the daughter of Joachim and Anne—Mary, or Miriam in Hebrew, which translates to “Princess” or “Lady.” Her name holds deep significance in Christian tradition, as she is seen as the one destined to be the Queen of Heaven and Earth.

Origins and Historical Development

The liturgical celebration of the Holy Name of Mary traces its roots back to the early 16th century. It began as a local feast in Cuenca, Spain, in 1513, as a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. In 1622, this observance was extended to the Archdiocese of Toledo, one of the most influential Catholic centers in Spain at the time. In 1671, the feast was further extended to the entire Kingdom of Spain, signaling its growing importance.

The Battle of Vienna and the Role of Pope Innocent XI

The feast took on universal significance in 1683, following a critical event in European history—the Battle of Vienna. At that time, the city of Vienna was under siege by the Ottoman Empire, led by the Muslim Turks, who sought to expand their territory across Europe. The threat was so dire that many feared Europe would fall under Ottoman control. However, the Polish King, John III Sobieski, led a coalition of Christian forces and entrusted their cause to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Before the battle, Sobieski and his troops attended Mass and invoked Mary’s intercession. The victory on September 12, 1683, was seen as miraculous, with many crediting the Virgin Mary for turning the tide in favor of the Christian armies. In gratitude for this decisive victory, Pope Innocent XI extended the Feast of the Holy Name of Mary to the entire Church, recognizing Mary’s pivotal role in protecting Christendom.

Liturgical and Spiritual Significance

The name “Mary” itself carries deep spiritual symbolism in Christian tradition. For centuries, theologians and saints have meditated on its meaning, seeing it as a source of inspiration, protection, and grace. According to St. Bernard of Clairvaux, “Mary means ‘Star of the Sea,’ a name fitting the Virgin Mother, who is indeed the star that guides us to the safe harbor of heaven.”

Devotion to the Holy Name of Mary is linked to the reverence and love Catholics have for the Mother of God. Just as the name of Jesus is venerated in Christian liturgy, so too is the name of Mary honored, as her role as the Mother of the Savior is paramount in salvation history.

Modern Observances and Restoration of the Feast

In 1969, during the liturgical reforms of the Second Vatican Council, the feast was removed from the Roman Calendar. The reason given was that it was considered a duplication of the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. However, in 2002, Pope St. John Paul II restored the feast to the General Roman Calendar, recognizing the unique importance of the Holy Name of Mary and her powerful intercession in the lives of the faithful.

Marian Devotions and Global Observance

Today, the Feast of the Holy Name of Mary is celebrated by Catholics around the world. In various countries, special processions, prayers, and Marian devotions are held to honor the Mother of God. The feast also emphasizes the power of invoking Mary’s name in prayer and supplication. The Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary (also known as the Litany of Loreto) includes an invocation to her holy name, which has been a staple of Catholic devotion for centuries.

In Poland, the homeland of King John Sobieski, the feast holds particular significance, especially in the Marian shrines such as Jasna Góra, where the faithful honor the image of the Black Madonna of Częstochowa.

The Feast of the Holy Name of Mary serves as a reminder of the deep veneration Christians hold for the Mother of God and her role in the salvation of humankind. Whether as an intercessor in times of peril, as in the Battle of Vienna, or as a source of hope and grace in the daily lives of the faithful, Mary’s name carries with it profound significance. On September 12, the Church not only celebrates her name but also the victories and blessings that have been won through her powerful intercession.