A New Year Begins with Mary
The Catholic Church begins the civil New Year not with resolutions, but with a solemn feast: the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God. On January 1, we are invited to start the year by fixing our eyes on Mary, not as an end in herself, but as the one who always leads us to Christ.
This feast reminds us that our faith is rooted in a concrete historical truth:
“When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman” (Galatians 4:4).
Mary stands at the threshold of time, holding the Son who redeems it.
Why the Church Calls Mary “Mother of God”
The title Mother of God (Theotokos) was solemnly affirmed at the Council of Ephesus in A.D. 431, not primarily to exalt Mary, but to protect the truth about Jesus.
Jesus Christ is one divine Person with two natures—fully God and fully man. Therefore, the woman who bore Him is rightly called Mother of God.
The Catechism explains:
“Mary is truly ‘Mother of God’ since she is the mother of the eternal Son of God made man” (CCC 495).
This title safeguards the mystery of the Incarnation. To deny Mary this title would be to divide Christ Himself.
Mary and the Mystery of the Incarnation
On this solemnity, the Church reflects deeply on the mystery that began at Christmas and unfolds throughout the liturgical year.
“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14).
Mary’s motherhood is not symbolic. She carried God in her womb, gave birth to Him, nourished Him, and raised Him. Through her free cooperation, salvation entered the world.
“By her obedience she became the cause of salvation for herself and for the whole human race” (CCC 494).
Mary’s yes at the Annunciation echoes into eternity.
Mary, Model of Peace and Contemplation
The Gospel for this solemnity often highlights Mary’s interior life:
“Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart” (Luke 2:19).
As the world rushes into a new year, the Church invites us to pause and learn from Mary’s silence, trust, and contemplation. She teaches us how to carry Christ into a noisy and uncertain world.
January 1 is also observed by the Church as the World Day of Peace, reminding us that true peace begins when Christ is welcomed into the heart—just as Mary welcomed Him into her life.
Mary and the Blessing of God
The first reading traditionally proclaimed on this solemnity comes from the Book of Numbers:
“The Lord bless you and keep you… and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24–26).
Mary is the living fulfillment of this blessing. Through her, God’s face is turned toward humanity in mercy. Through her Son, we receive peace not as the world gives, but as a gift rooted in salvation.
Beginning the Year with Mary
Starting the year with Mary reminds Catholics that the Christian life is not self-made. It is received.
Mary shows us how to begin:
- With trust rather than control
- With faith rather than fear
- With surrender rather than striving
As the Catechism teaches:
“Mary is the perfect model of the Church” (CCC 967).
To walk with Mary is to walk more closely with Christ.
A Prayer for the New Year
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
intercede for us as we begin this new year.
Teach us to treasure Christ in our hearts,
to trust God’s plan,
and to say yes each day to His will.
Amen.
Final Reflection
On this Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, the Church reminds us that time itself has been sanctified by Christ’s birth from a woman. As we step into a new year, we do so not alone, but accompanied by Mary—who always leads us to her Son.
“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb” (Luke 1:42).