Happy Birthday Mama Mary....

Today, the 8th of September, is the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Let us give pause for a moment and reflect on this very special day when Our Lady, conceived without sin and chosen by God to bear his Son Jesus Christ, first came forth to this world.

Alte Pinakothek's "The Birth of Mary" (circa 1470).

Thy birth, O Virgin Mother of God,
heralded joy to all the world.
For from thou hast risen the Sun of justice,
Christ our God.

Destroying the curse, He gave blessing;
and damning death, He bestowed on us
life everlasting.

Blessed art thou among women
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
For from thou hast risen of Sun of justice,
Christ our God.

­- from The Divine Office - Matins