- 12 September, 2026
September 12, 2026: Why does the Catholic Church celebrate the Most Holy Name of Mary? Discover the beautiful history of this Marian devotion and why generations of Catholics have found comfort, strength and hope in invoking the name of the Mother of Jesus.
Feast Day: 12 September
Known As: Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Celebrated By: Catholic Church
Origin: Spain, 1513
Extended to the Universal Church: 1683 by Pope Innocent XI
Liturgical Rank: Optional Memorial
Known For: Marian devotion, Mary's motherhood of Jesus, intercession, protection and hope
The Most Holy Name of Mary is a special Marian celebration dedicated to the name of the Mother of Jesus. The feast is observed on September 12 in the Catholic liturgical calendar.
For Catholics, Mary's name is closely connected with her unique vocation as the woman chosen by God to become the mother of Jesus Christ. Honouring her name therefore ultimately points believers towards her Son.
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The feast originated in Spain in 1513. It was later extended to the universal Church by Pope Innocent XI in 1683, following the Christian victory at the Battle of Vienna.
Although the feast has experienced changes in the Church's liturgical calendar over the centuries, devotion to Mary's name has remained deeply rooted in Catholic spirituality. It was restored to the General Roman Calendar in 2002 and is now celebrated as an optional memorial on September 12.
The name Mary comes from the ancient name Miryam. Throughout Christian history, different interpretations have been proposed, including "lady", "sea of bitterness", "light" and "star of the sea".
One of the most beloved devotional titles is Stella Maris, meaning "Star of the Sea". The title expresses the traditional understanding of Mary as a guiding presence who leads Christians towards Christ.
The devotion to Mary's name is not intended to replace devotion to Jesus. Rather, Mary always directs believers towards her Son.
At the Annunciation, Mary accepted God's will with humility and faith. Through her "yes", she became the mother of Jesus and played a unique role in God's plan of salvation.
The Church therefore honours Mary while recognising that every grace ultimately comes from God through Christ.
For generations of Catholics, invoking the name of Mary has been a source of consolation during moments of fear, suffering and uncertainty.
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux famously encouraged Christians to turn to Mary in times of danger and distress. This tradition of confidently seeking Mary's intercession continues in Catholic prayer and devotion today.
The Most Holy Name of Mary reminds believers to imitate the virtues of the woman who bore Christ.
Mary teaches Catholics to trust God, remain humble, listen to His word and respond generously to His call.
Her name can therefore become a simple reminder to place Christ at the centre of daily life.
In a world often marked by anxiety and uncertainty, the feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary offers Catholics an opportunity to pause and remember the loving motherhood and faithful example of Mary.
As Catholics celebrate her holy name on September 12, they are invited to ask for her intercession and, like Mary, to say yes to God with faith, courage and humility.
To know about more saints and Catholic feast days, please visit the spiritual section.
By Catholic Connect Reporter
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