Feast day January 1
The Blessed Virgin Mary
Mother of God · 1st century
For those who go to Jesus through his mother — she who said yes and kept every word in her heart.
In their words
Do whatever he tells you.
Life
Mother of Jesus and the first disciple. At the Annunciation her "let it be done to me" opened the door to the Incarnation; her Magnificat sang of a God who lifts up the lowly. She prompted the first miracle at Cana, stood at the foot of the Cross where Jesus gave her as mother to the beloved disciple, and prayed with the apostles at Pentecost. The Council of Ephesus (431) confirmed her ancient title: Theotokos, God-bearer.
A prayer
The Memorare
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.