Friday, 12th September, is the (optional) Memorial of the Holy Name of Mary. This feast originated in Spain and was approved in 1513 and in 1683, Pope Innocent XI extended its celebration to the universal Church, four days after the Feast of the Birth of the Blessed Mother. Following Vatican Council II, the feast was removed from the universal calendar, although the Votive Mass remained, but Pope John Paul II, in the third edition of the Roman Missal, restored it as an optional memorial. The name Mary is rooted in various ancient languages: in Hebrew Myriam; in Aramaic Maryam; in the Greek Old Testament, Mariam; and in Greek and Latin New Testament, Maria. Modern philological studies suggest that Mary means ‘lady, beautiful one, or well-beloved,’ which fits well with the message of the Archangel Gabriel: “Hail, Mary, full of grace [or Rejoice, O highly favoured daughter]! The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women” (Luke 1:28). The name “Mary,” being the name of the Blessed Mother, deserves special respect and devotion. She is the Mother of our Divine Saviour and is rightfully called “Mother of God,” for Jesus true God, second Person of the Holy Trinity, entered this world becoming also true man through Mary, who had conceived Him by the power of the Holy Spirit. Again, the very mention of her name reminds us that she is full of grace and is blessed among all women. Thirdly, Mary is a maternal name, because she is our Mother, whom our Lord gave to us as He was dying on the cross (cf. John19:26-27). Finally, Mary is a name of the mother who responds to all of our needs, protects us from evil, and prays “for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.” Blessed be the Name of Mary, Virgin and Mother! St. Louis de Montfort (d. 1716) once said, “The whole world is filled with her glory, and this is especially true of Christian peoples, who have chosen her as guardian and protectress of kingdoms, provinces, dioceses, and towns. Many cathedrals are consecrated to God in her name. There is no church without an altar dedicated to her, no country or region without at least one of her miraculous images where all kinds of afflictions are cured, and all sorts of benefits received. Many are the confraternities and associations honouring her as patron; many are the orders under her name and protection; many are the members of sodalities and religious of all congregations who voice her praises and make known her compassion. There is not a child who does not praise her by lisping a ‘Hail Mary.’ There is scarcely a sinner, however hardened, who does not possess some spark of confidence in her. The very devils in hell, while fearing her, show her respect.” [Image: Jonathan Dick, OSFS on Unsplash][Portsmouth Diocese e-News]