When you walk into Mother of God Church there is a series of windows on both sides of the Church. Each window tells some part of the story of the Blessed Virgin Mary. From the main entrance, if you look at the left (east) side of church, the fifth from the back tells the story of Mary’s birth. We see St. Anne, Mary’s mother, lying in bed. At the foot of the bed, there is a young girl holding the infant Mary.
   
On Tuesday, Sept. 8, the Church celebrates the Nativity, or birth, of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Although this story in not in the Scriptures, we do have non-Scriptural information from the early Church that tells us that she was born to Joachim and Anne in Nazareth, where she was living when the Angel Gabriel appeared to her.
   
Our own mother’s birthdays are important moments in our lives, when we remember and celebrate these women and the role that they have played in our lives and in our growing up. So, we remember Mary and celebrate her and remind ourselves that she is our constant advocate and source of our comfort.

Children always had a special celebration a few days after birth, when they officially received their name. On Saturday, Sept. 12, we honor the Most Holy Name of Mary. There is solace and healing in Mary’s name. 
    
In times of stress or distress, simply call on Mary by saying her name.