The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Nothing is known about the circumstances of the birth of the Blessed Virgin. The Gospels have nothing to say on the matter. Early in the 2nd century, however there were speculations about it and in an apocryphal gospel called the “Proto-evangelium of James” we read a story about Mary’s conception by Joachim and Anne. A feast had its origin in the eastern part of the Church.

It was introduced in Rome in the 7th century. St. Peter Damien commenting on this feast writes: “Today is the day in which God begins to carry out his divine plan, since it was necessary to construct a house before the King would come to dwell within it.” This is a feast of great joy because Mary’s arrival is a sign that the Redemption is drawing near.