January 1: Mary Mother of God

The Church, in her great wisdom, starts the new year with Mary, the Mother of God.

Mary was chosen, her, the finest flower of the human race, to give birth to the Son of God, and Mary is, forever and ever, interceding for us and bringing us closer to Jesus.

In the Liturgy of the Hours, we pray today:
"Hers, the joy of motherhood, hers, the virgin's glory.
Never was the like seen before, never shall it be seen again.

May her prayer, the gift of a mother's love, be your people's joy through all ages. May her response, born of a humble heart, draw your Spirit to rest on your people.

Blessed be the Lord, Jesus, our peace, who came to unite man with God.
- Lord, grant your peace to all.
You came to announce God's good news to the world,
- increase the number of preachers and hearers of your word.
You desired to become our brother by being born of the Virgin Mary,
- teach men and women to love each other in mutual brotherhood."

Grant this through Christ our Lord.