This solemnity is a rather recent addition to the cycle of seasons, Sundays, and feasts in our liturgical year. We have Pope Paul VI to thank for the 1974 enshrining of the devotion to Mary into our calendar on January 1. It is also a day in our calendar as a World Day for Peace.

Let us pray...

God of heaven and earth,

you came to us and took our earthly flesh

through the gift of Mary's yes.

She is our Mother in faith,

as she is your earthly mother.​

We are thankful beyond our ability to thank you

for the gift of her Son as our brother and savior.

Through her self-giving,

we have been reconciled to you.​

Bless us as we begin this New Year

and endow us with the desire and ability

to create a world of peace.​

We ask all this,

through the intercession of Mary to you,

one God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Amen.