Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of the Holy Name of Mary

The Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of the Holy Name of Mary on September 12. This liturgical observance honors the name of the Virgin Mary, which is considered inseparable from the mission of Jesus Christ.

Religious teachings from various leaders, including Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis, emphasize that the name of Mary serves as a source of hope, strength, and courage for believers facing worldly difficulties. The name is linked to the Annunciation in the Gospel of Luke and the mystery of the Incarnation.

Historically, the feast is also associated with the victory of King Jan Sobieski of Poland over Ottoman forces at the Battle of Vienna in 1683. Devotional texts describe Mary as a ‘star of the sea’ and a guiding light for those navigating the storms of life, temptation, and despair.