Religious Education

THE BIRTHDAY OF MARY, MOTHER OF JESUS

On Monday September 8th, the Church celebrated a very special feast day: the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Just as we celebrate the birthdays of the people we love, we pause as a Church community to honour Mary’s birthday. Mary holds a unique place in our faith story as the mother of Jesus and as a woman who showed deep trust in God.

Mary’s birth was the beginning of a life that would change the world. From the very beginning, God had a plan for Mary. She was chosen to be the mother of His Son, and her “yes” to God’s invitation allowed Jesus to come into the world. Because of her faith, humility, and love, she is a model for all of us as we try to live as followers of Jesus.

When we think about Mary’s birthday, we are reminded of the gift of family. Just as Mary’s parents, Saints Joachim and Anne, gave thanks for the gift of their daughter, we too give thanks for the people in our own families. We are called to treasure the gift of life and to recognise how precious each person is in God’s eyes.

At school, we encourage the children to look to Mary as a role model. Proudly on display in our school office foyer, is a beautiful copy of the painting “Madonna In Prayer” by the artist Giovanni Battista Salvi. Mary is prayerful, gentle, and compassionate. Mary trusted God even when she didn’t fully understand what was happening. These are qualities that our students can try to live out in their daily lives—in the classroom, on the playground, and at home with their families.

The daily ringing of the St Patrick’s church bells at midday and 6 pm also serve to remind us of the Angel Gabriel’s message to Mary and her “yes” to God, which brought Jesus into the world.  When the bell rings, we are invited to stop—just for a moment—to remember God’s presence in our day and to join with Catholics around the world in prayer. It is a gentle reminder that our faith is not only celebrated in church on Sunday but lived in the ordinary moments of daily life.  The Angelus bell at St Patrick’s is both a call to prayer and a sign of hope for our whole Mentone community.

Families might like to celebrate Mary’s birthday in a simple way this week—by praying a “Hail Mary” together, lighting a candle, or even enjoying a small cake or treat in her honour. In this way, children can learn that feast days are moments of joy and thanksgiving in the life of the Church.

As we give thanks for Mary, we also ask for her prayers for our students, our families, and our school community. May she continue to guide us closer to her Son, Jesus, and inspire us to live with the same faith and love that she showed throughout her life.

Family Prayer for Mary’s Birthday

Loving God,We thank You for the gift of Mary, the mother of Jesus.On her birthday, we celebrate her faith, her love, and her trust in You.Help us to follow her example by being kind, prayerful, and caring.Bless our family and keep us close to You each day.

We ask this through Jesus Christ, Your Son.

Amen.

Kathryn Ady

Religious Education Leader