Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God Thursday, January 1, 2026
Writing about Mary’s role in Jesus’ incarnation, Saint Louis de Montfort said that divine Wisdom “did not want to give himself directly to men but chose to do so through the Blessed Virgin. Nor did he want to come into the world as a full-grown man, with no need of others, but as a small child, in need of a Mother’s care and nourishment.” (Treatise on True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin, 139).
Our Lady became the holy dwelling place of God. The Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, is celebrated each year on January 1. It is a Holy Day of Obligation. Mass will be offered at 12:10 p.m., CT, inside the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal (St. Mary’s of the Barrens Church) in Perryville, Missouri. All are invited to join us in person or in spirit.
This feast is a beautiful opportunity to send your petitions to the Shrine and/or request a Votive Light to burn for your special intentions in the new year. Join with us in reciting this beautiful Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary as an additional way to celebrate and honor Mary, Mother of God.
