Every September 8, Catholics around the world celebrate the birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary, known affectionately to many as Mama Mary.
But we do not actually know the date Mary was born.
The Bible tells us about Mary and her role in the life of Jesus, but it never gives her birthday. The names of her parents, Joachim and Anne, come from ancient Christian tradition, particularly the 2nd-century Protoevangelium of James, rather than from Scripture.
So why September 8?
The date comes from an ancient Christian tradition. The feast of Mary’s Nativity was celebrated in the Christian East centuries ago and was later introduced into the Roman calendar in the 7th century under Pope Sergius I.
September 8 and December 8 are nine months apart. December 8 is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, which celebrates the belief that Mary was preserved from original sin from the first moment of her conception.
This does not mean September 8 is her confirmed historical birthday. It is the traditional date on which the Church celebrates her birth.
We may not know the exact day Mary entered the world. But we know what her life would become: a humble beginning that would lead to one of the greatest stories ever told.
Her birthday may be a date preserved by tradition, but the woman we remember is at the heart of a story known across generations.
Happy birthday, Mama Mary!
⌨ ᴛʸᵖⁱⁿᵍ ᴏᵘᵗ ᵒᶠ ᵗʰᵉ ʙˡᵘᵉ ᵈᵃʳᵉᵐ ᵐᵘˢⁱᶜ ᵇˡᵒᵍ