The Year of Our Lord

On our liturgical calendar, the year ends with the celebration of CHRIST THE KING; one week later we begin the liturgical year with the first Sunday of Advent.

The calendar year, of course, begins with the first of January - the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. Thus, just as Saint Mary's total acceptance of the will of God inaugurates the beginning of the liturgical year with Advent and Christmas, so also does Saint Mary inaugurate each new calendar year on the first of January as the Church celebrates Mary's role as the Mother of God.

It's actually a really cool thing: she who formed the savior in her womb also forms the new year, every year, in the name of her Son. May we all, as did Saint Mary, always respond to God's call: "Be it done unto me according to Thy Word."

Ave Maria! Ja vous salue, Marie! Hail Mary!
Saint Mary, pray for us.

Take care, -Jeremy