The Birthday of Our Lady: 5 Ways to Celebrate the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
- Fiach OBroin-Molloy
- Sep 6
- 3 min read
Feast Day: September 8th
In celebration of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and September’s Marian feasts, enjoy 25% off all items in our store until 14 September. -
Every year on September 8th, the Church joyfully celebrates the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary—the dawn of salvation history. Mary’s birth marks the arrival of the one chosen to bear Christ, the Mother through whom God’s promise of redemption enters the world. While Scripture does not record the details of her birth, tradition tells us that her parents, Saint Joachim and Saint Anne, rejoiced at the arrival of the child destined to become the Mother of God.
In celebrating Mary’s nativity, we also celebrate God’s plan for our salvation. Here are 5 Ways to Celebrate the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
1. Reflect on the Significance of Mary’s Nativity
The Church celebrates only three birthdays in the liturgical calendar: Jesus, John the Baptist, and Mary. Each marks a pivotal turning point in salvation history.
Mary’s nativity signals the fulfilment of God’s covenant with His people. Chosen from all eternity to be the Mother of the Saviour, her “yes” to God makes possible the Incarnation itself. This feast reminds us that God prepares, sanctifies, and equips those He calls—even from the very moment of their conception.
Take a moment today to reflect on how Mary’s life reveals God’s faithfulness and His unfolding plan for humanity.
In celebration of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and September’s Marian feasts, enjoy 25% off all items in our store until 14 September.
2. Pray a Traditional Marian Prayer
Prayer is one of the most meaningful ways to celebrate this feast. Consider praying one of these beloved devotions:
The Hail Mary (Luke 1:28, Luke 1:42)
The Magnificat (Luke 1:46–55) — Mary’s hymn of praise to God
Prayer for the Nativity of Mary (from the Liturgy of the Hours):
“Your birth, O Virgin Mother of God, brings joy to the whole world, for from you has risen the Sun of Justice, Christ our God.”
You could also gather as a family and pray the Rosary, reflecting on the Joyful Mysteries, which centre on Mary’s role in salvation history.
3. Celebrate with a Marian-Themed Act of Devotion
Honouring Mary on her birthday can be made tangible through small, meaningful acts:
Light a blue or white candle — symbolic of Mary’s purity
Place fresh flowers before a Marian image — especially lilies or white roses
Offer a Marian rosary or chaplet — a prayerful way to draw closer to her heart
If you have a special Marian item, such as a rosary, pendant, or prayer pouch, this is a wonderful day to use it in your devotions.
In celebration of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and September’s Marian feasts, enjoy 25% off all items in our store until 14 September.
4. Surround Yourself with Marian Art & Sacramentals
Visual reminders of Our Lady help lift the heart and mind to prayer. Consider displaying icons, images, or handcrafted devotional items that reflect her role in salvation.
At Paisley Honey, we create handmade Marian rosaries, devotional pieces, and chaplets inspired by Scotland’s Celtic Christian heritage. These serve not just as beautiful keepsakes but as tools for prayer and reflection—perfect companions for Marian feast days like today.
5. Download and Share a Free Marian Prayer Card
To mark this feast, we’ve created a printable Marian prayer card featuring a beautiful invocation for the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Keep it in your Bible, share it with a friend, or place it on your prayer table as a visual reminder of Mary’s intercession and God’s great gift to the world.
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