The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

 The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated on September 8th, marking the birth of Mary, the mother of Jesus. This feast is observed by many Christian denominations, but it holds particular significance in the Catholic Church. It celebrates the role of Mary in salvation history, especially as the one chosen by God to bear His Son, Jesus Christ. Tradition teaches that Mary's birth brought great joy to her parents, Saints Joachim and Anne, as well as to the world, since she was destined to become the Mother of the Savior. This feast is one of the oldest Marian celebrations, dating back to the 6th century.

 Feast of Our Lady of Velankanni

The feast of Our Lady of Velankanni, also celebrated on September 8th, coincides with the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Velankanni is a coastal town in Tamil Nadu, India, and is home to the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, one of the most revered Marian shrines in the world. The feast celebrates the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Velankanni, where she is said to have appeared to both a young shepherd boy and a lame boy in the 16th century. Tradition holds that through Mary's intercession, miraculous healings took place, which led to the construction of the shrine.

Significance of the Feast

The Velankanni feast draws millions of pilgrims from all over India and the world, especially from different religious backgrounds. It’s a symbol of unity and faith, as people from various walks of life come together to seek the blessings of Our Lady. The celebration lasts for nine days, marked by prayers, processions, and special Masses.

The combination of the Nativity of Mary and the feast of Our Lady of Velankanni makes September 8th a day of profound Marian devotion, underscoring Mary’s significance in the lives of Catholics and devotees of all faiths.