Marian Celebrations
Opening
Prayer
Blessed Mother Mary, Queen of Heaven
and Earth, as we enter this sacred month of December, we ask you to guide our
hearts toward your Son. Help us to recognize your maternal presence in each
day's celebration and teach us to honor you as the Church has done throughout
the centuries. May our devotion to you draw us ever closer to Jesus, especially
as we prepare for His birth. Through your intercession, may we grow in faith,
hope, and love. Amen.
Introduction
December holds a special place in the
liturgical calendar as we journey through Advent toward the celebration of Jesus' birth. Throughout this holy month, the Church honors Our Lady through
countless titles and shrines that have brought comfort, healing, and hope to
the faithful across centuries and continents. From ancient apparitions to
miraculous images, each day offers us an opportunity to reflect on Mary's role
in salvation history and her continuing maternal care for all her children.
Daily
Marian Celebrations
December 1 – Our Lady of Ratisbon,
Bavaria (1842)
In Bavaria, a miraculous medal conversion led to the veneration of Mary under
this title. This celebration reminds us of Mary's power to touch hearts and
bring souls to her Son.
December 2 – Our Lady of Didinia,
Cappadocia, Turkey / Our Lady of Liesse
Ancient devotion from Cappadocia joins with the French shrine of Liesse,
meaning "joy." Mary brings joy to all who seek her intercession with
humble hearts.
December 3 – Our Lady of Filermo,
Malta / Our Lady of Victory, Paris (1629)
A Byzantine icon venerated in Malta and a victorious commemoration in Paris
both celebrate Mary's protection. Through her, God grants triumph over
adversity and evil.
December 4 – Our Lady of La Chapelle,
Abbeville (1400)
This French shrine marks centuries of Marian devotion in Abbeville. The
faithful have turned to Mary here for over six hundred years, finding solace in
her maternal care.
December 5 – Our Lady of the Jesuit
College, Rome (1584)
The Jesuits' devotion to Mary in Rome represents the order's commitment to
spreading her honor. This title reflects Mary's role as educator and guide in
the spiritual life.
December 6 – Our Lady of Seez, built
by St. Latuin (5th Century)
One of the most ancient Marian shrines, built by a fifth-century saint. This
celebration connects us to the earliest traditions of Marian veneration in
France.
December 7 – Our Lady of Paris (1550)
The capital of France has long honored the Blessed Mother as its protectress.
This devotion reflects Mary's special care for cities and nations dedicated to
her.
December 8 – Immaculate Conception of
the Blessed Virgin Mary / Our Lady of Good Health (1554)
This solemnity celebrates the singular grace bestowed upon Mary, who was
conceived without original sin, preparing her to be the worthy Mother of God.
From the first moment of her existence, Mary was preserved immaculate, full of
grace, and destined to crush the serpent's head. This dogma, solemnly defined
by Pope Pius IX in 1854, proclaims what the faithful had believed for
centuries: that Mary is the New Eve, the pure vessel chosen by God for the
Incarnation. In Vailankanni, India, Our Lady appeared as Our Lady of Good
Health, bringing healing and hope to the suffering.
December 9 – Our Lady of the
Conception, Naples, Italy (1618)
Naples honors Mary's Immaculate Conception with special devotion the day after
the solemnity. This Italian celebration extends our contemplation of Mary's
purity and her role as Mother of the Church.
December 10 – Translation of the Holy
House of Loreto, Italy (1291)
According to tradition, angels transported Mary's house from Nazareth to Loreto
to protect it from invaders. This shrine reminds us that the Holy Family
sanctified ordinary domestic life.
December 11 – Our Lady of the Angels,
Paris (1212)
Parisian devotion to Mary under this title emphasizes her role as Queen of
Angels. She who bore the King of Kings is honored by the angelic hosts.
December 12 – Our Lady of Guadalupe,
Patroness of the Americas, Mexico (1531)
On this day we celebrate one of the most significant Marian apparitions in
history, when Our Lady appeared to St. Juan Diego on Tepeyac Hill. Speaking in
his native Nahuatl language, she identified herself as "the ever-virgin
Holy Mary, Mother of the True God." The miraculous image imprinted on Juan
Diego's tilma has remained incorrupt for nearly five centuries, defying
scientific explanation. Our Lady of Guadalupe brought about the conversion of
millions of indigenous peoples and stands as Mother and Evangelizer of the
Americas. Her image combines both indigenous and Christian symbolism, showing
how Mary embraces all cultures and peoples as her children.
December 13 – Our Lady of the Holy
Chapel, Paris
The Holy Chapel in Paris, built to house sacred relics, also honors Mary. This
celebration reminds us that Mary is the first tabernacle, who carried Christ
within her womb.
December 14 – Our Lady of Alba Royale,
Hungary (1005)
St. Stephen of Hungary established this devotion as Christianity took root in
his nation. Mary's intercession helped establish and protect the faith in
Hungary.
December 15 – Our Lady of the Armed
Forces
The military venerates Mary as protectress of those who serve in defense of
their nations. She is the refuge of soldiers and the consolation of those who
risk their lives for others.
December 16 – Our Lady of Good or
Happy Deliverance, St. Augustine, Florida (1565)
Spanish settlers brought this devotion to the New World, marking Mary's
maternal care for those crossing dangerous seas. She protected travelers and
brought them safely to new lands.
December 17 – Our Lady of Amiens,
France
The magnificent cathedral of Amiens honors the Mother of God with devotion
spanning centuries. Mary is venerated here as the portal through which Christ
entered our world.
December 18 – Dedication of Our Lady
of Marseilles by St. Lazarus
According to tradition, St. Lazarus himself dedicated a church to Mary in
Marseilles. This ancient devotion connects us to the apostolic age and the
early Church's love for Mary.
December 19 – Our Lady of Toledo,
Spain (657)
In Toledo, a seventh-century appearance of Mary confirmed her care for the
Spanish faithful. This apparition strengthened Christian resistance during the
early Islamic conquests.
December 20 – Our Lady of Molene,
France (1075)
Medieval France honored Mary under this title for nearly a millennium. The
devotion reflects Mary's role as refuge and strength during times of trial.
December 21 – Our Lady of St. Acheul,
Amiens, France (4th Century)
St. Firmin established this ancient shrine in the fourth century, making it one
of France's oldest Marian sites. It testifies to the Church's constant devotion
to Mary through the ages.
December 22 – Our Lady of Chartres,
Mother of Youth, France (1935)
The great cathedral of Chartres honors Mary specifically as Mother of Youth.
She guides young people toward holiness and helps them navigate the challenges
of growing in faith.
December 23 – Our Lady of Ardilliers,
Anjou, France
A miraculous statue discovered by a shepherd led to this shrine's
establishment. Mary reveals herself to the humble and draws pilgrims to
encounter her maternal love.
December 24 – Chaste Nuptials of Our
Lady & St. Joseph
On Christmas Eve, we honor the holy and chaste marriage between Mary and
Joseph, a union unlike any other in history. Their marriage was virginal yet
true, providing the Holy Family's foundation and protecting Mary's reputation
while she carried the Son of God. Joseph, the just man, accepted his role as
foster father to Jesus and faithful spouse to Mary, creating a home filled with
love, prayer, and humble obedience to God's will. Their marriage models
authentic spousal love, showing that true marital union is based not on passion
but on mutual self-gift, shared mission, and abandonment to divine providence.
As we prepare to celebrate Christ's birth, we remember that it took place
within the sacred context of family.
December 25 – Nativity of the Lord
(Christmas)
Today we celebrate the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the moment when the
eternal Word became flesh in the womb of the Virgin Mary. In Bethlehem's humble
stable, Mary brought forth her firstborn Son, wrapped Him in swaddling clothes,
and laid Him in a manger. The prophecies were fulfilled: a Virgin conceived and
bore a son, Emmanuel, God-with-us. Mary, ever Virgin, is truly the Mother of
God (Theotokos), for the child she bore is both fully God and fully man. On
this most holy night, we contemplate the mystery of love that moved God to
empty Himself and take on our humanity. Through Mary's "yes" at the
Annunciation and her faithful cooperation with grace, salvation entered the
world. Today we celebrate both the birth of Christ and the divine maternity of
Mary.
December 26 – Our Lady of Acheropita,
Rossano, Italy (1140)
This ancient icon, believed to be "not made by human hands," draws
pilgrims to Italy. The miraculous image reminds us that some sacred things
transcend human artistry and come directly from heaven.
December 27 – Institution of the
Knights of Our Lady (1370)
In 1370, a military order was established under Mary's patronage to defend
the faith and serve the Church. The Knights of Our Lady took vows to honor the
Blessed Mother and protect Christian civilization from threats both spiritual
and temporal. This commemoration reminds us that throughout history, men and
women have dedicated their lives, even unto death, to honor Mary and defend all
she represents. The institution of these knights reflects the medieval
understanding that Mary is not only Mother and Queen, but also the woman
clothed with the sun who crushes the serpent's head. Her spiritual children are
called to participate in her victory over evil. Today we remember all who have
served the Church as soldiers of Christ and spiritual knights in Mary's
service.
December 28 – Our Lady of Pontoise,
France (12th Century)
Medieval Pontoise honored Mary with special devotion that continues today. This
shrine has witnessed centuries of prayers, miracles, and conversions through
Mary's intercession.
December 29 – Our Lady of Spire,
Germany (1146)
The German faithful have venerated Mary at Spire since the twelfth century.
This devotion has sustained German Catholics through wars, persecutions, and
cultural upheavals.
December 30 – Our Lady of Bologna,
Italy (1193)
Bologna's ancient university city has honored Mary for over eight centuries.
Students and scholars have sought her wisdom and guidance, recognizing her as
Seat of Wisdom.
December 31 – Image of Our Lady of
Chartres brings back to life the son of King Geoffrey (100 BC)
According to tradition, even before Christ's birth, a prophetic statue of the
Virgin-to-come worked miracles at Chartres. This remarkable tradition suggests
that Mary's power transcends time itself.
Closing
Prayer
Holy Mary, Mother of God and our
Mother, as we conclude this month dedicated to preparing for and celebrating
your Son's birth, we thank you for your constant intercession and maternal
care. Through the many shrines, apparitions, and titles we have honored this
December, we have seen how you have guided, protected, and consoled the
faithful throughout history and across the world. As we enter the new year, may
we carry with us the graces received through your intercession. Help us to
imitate your virtues, your faith, your humility, your purity, and your perfect
obedience to God's will. Lead us always to Jesus, that we may love Him as you
do, and one day join you in the eternal celebration of His glory. Mary, Mother
of the Church, pray for us now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
©2025 James Dacey, Jr., OFS
