Starting 2023 with Solemnity

January 1st is the beginning of a new year and on this day, the Catholic Church celebrates the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God. This Solemnity is a very appropriate way to begin a new year because this will remind us of the role of Mama Mary in the salvation of humankind. It is fitting to honor Mama Mary as Mother of Jesus just a week after we celebrate Christmas Day – the birth of Jesus.

When we celebrate the Solemnity of Mary as the Mother of Jesus, we are not only honoring Mama Mary, who was chosen among all women throughout the history to bear God incarnate but we are also honoring our Lord who is fully God and fully human.

The Church puts the feast of this Solemnity on the first day of the New Year to emphasize the importance of Mama Mary’s role in the life of Christ and of the Church. As we welcome the New Year, may we also welcome Mama Mary in our hearts and call on her to be actively involved in our daily life in 2023.