The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Celebrated on September 8 — nine months after the Immaculate Conception — this feast keeps the birth of Mary, named in tradition as the daughter of Joachim and Anne. It is one of the oldest Marian feasts, going back at least to the sixth century. "Today is born the queen of the world," Andrew of Crete preached, "and earth becomes the gate of heaven."

The feast originated in the East, linked to the dedication of a church near the probable site of Mary's birthplace in Jerusalem. It entered the Roman calendar by the seventh century and became one of the four great Marian feasts of the liturgical year. The Church celebrates only three birthdays — those of Christ, John the Baptist, and Mary — for these three alone were born in a state of grace.