The Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God

One of the only two Holy Days of obligation outside of Sundays in Canada is a Solemnity dedicated to Mary's motherhood. We close out the Christmas octave with a day to honour Mary as the Mother of God.  Find links to blessings and other resources below to help you celebrate this special feast with your family, friends and community. 
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• Mass times in the Diocese of Calgary for Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
  
  
• World Day of Peace (January 1)
  January 1 is also the World Day of Peace. Every year on January 1, the Holy Father marks the World Day of Peace with a special message inviting all people to reflect on the important work of building peace. Each year has a specific theme chosen by the Holy Father. To read the latest World Day of Peace message, visit this link closer to Jan 1.
  • Prayer for peace in our communities
  • Prayer for Peace of Pope Francis
  • Prayer of the Faithful for the Day of Prayer for Peace in our communities
    
    
• Pope's Prayer Intention for January 2021 
  May the Lord give us the grace to live in full fellowship with our brothers and sisters of other religions, praying for one another, open to all. 
  • Pope's Prayer Intentions for 2022
    
    
• Resources for family & children: Solemnity of Mary
  • Gospel Reflection: Because Mary honoured her commitment to God, she is a model for us of how to be a disciple. A disciple is a follower. As Christians, when did we make our first commitment to be disciples of Jesus? (at Baptism) How do we show this commitment? (Loyola Press) 
    • Sunday Connection for the Solemnity of Mary (Gr. 1-8) 
    • Marian colouring pages for children (and adults!)
    • Download a Mary, Mother of God Kit that contains prayers and activities to honour Mary, the Church’s greatest saint. 
    • Marian crafts & activities
    • Marian must reads for young Catholics
    • Three captivating books to make a Marian consecration with children
      
      
• Gospel Reflection  
  The Manger.  The shepherds find Jesus, not in a crib, but in a manger, a feedbox for cattle. This image reminds us that he is indeed food for us now – Body and Blood in Communion. Let us also be amazed. (Source: Diocese of Springfield)
  • What continues to amaze me about Jesus’ gift of himself?
  • How can I glorify and praise God this day and this new year?
  • What mercy work can I do to help those in need of shelter?