September 8 ~ Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary

 FRATERNITY is a legion of Knights behind Mary

The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God.”  ~ Luke 1:30

The Church has celebrated Mary’s birth since at least the sixth century.  The September 8^th date helped determine the feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8^th (nine months earlier). 

Scripture does not give an account of Mary’s birth.  However, the apocryphal Protoevangelium of James fills in the gap.  According to this account, Anna and Joachim receive the promise of a child that will advance God’s plan of salvation for the world.  Such a story (like many biblical counterparts) stresses the special presence of God in Mary’s life from the beginning. 

St. Augustine connects Mary’s birth with Jesus’ saving work.  He tells the earth to rejoice and shine forth in the light of her birth.  “She is the flower of the field from whom bloomed the precious lily of the valley.  Through her birth the nature inherited from our first parents is changed.”  The opening prayer at Mass speaks of the birth of Mary’s Son as the dawn of our salvation and asks for an increase of peace.  ~ American Catholic

What should a Knight carry at all times, as instructed when we were inducted into the fraternity?  (Hint:  The _________ is the Bible translated into prayer) 

Mary is our best guide to her Son, Jesus Christ.  How has our council increased our devotion to Mary this year?

Mother of our Savior, pray for us.~ Litany of Our Lady (selected)

 

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