The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, is celebrated seven days after Christmas. The title, "Mother of God" dates back to the third or fourth-century Greek term "Theotokos" (God-bearer). On 25 December 1931, Pope Pius XI, in his encyclical Lux Veritatis, extended the celebration of this feast to the whole Western Church. Pope Paul VI declared in his encyclical, Marialis Cultus (Marian Cult), that this feast is meant to commemorate the role of Mary in the mystery of salvation and to exalt the singular dignity that this mystery brings to the Holy Mother "through whom we were found worthy to receive the Author of Life". When the Church states that Mary is the Mother of God, it does not mean that Jesus' divine nature comes from Mary. But it was His human nature that was formed from the humanity of Mary. It was in her womb that the dual nature of Christ was united. St. Paul, through the words "God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying out 'Abba, Father!'" (Gal 4:6), helps us realize that Mary is also the Mother of us all as brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ.
O Mary, Mother of God and our Mother, we offer ourselves to your loving care. May we always be faithful to you and do only what is pleasing to Your Son's will.
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