The Catholic Church, which is the largest branch of Christianity in the number of believers, is the main religion of many European countries (France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Poland, etc.). Many holidays celebrated by Orthodox believers are also present in Catholicism. One of them is the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The Catholic Christmas of the Mother of God is dedicated to the memory of the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Mother of Jesus Christ. The New Testament, unfortunately, contains little information about the life of the Virgin. The event celebrated on this day is only in church tradition.
According to legend, the parents of the Virgin Mary are pious Joachim from the clan of King David and Anna, descended from the clan of high priests. The Virgin Mary was born according to the special promise of God, which was given to Joachim and Anna, who were already at an advanced age. The name of the Virgin Mary was indicated by an angel who announced to her parents about this event.
During the celebration of the Nativity of the Virgin, Catholic Christians emphasize the importance of the role assigned to the Virgin Mary in the embodiment of the divine plan for the salvation of mankind. The first mention of the festival occurs in the second half of the fifth century. In the same century, the Nativity of the Virgin was included in the church calendar.
The Nativity of Our Lady is ranked as one of the great feasts in the Catholic faith. It is celebrated for six consecutive days - from September 7 to 12. According to existing tradition, these days in all Catholic churches and churches solemn services are held in honor of the birthday of the Virgin Mary. Parishioners bring fresh flowers to the icons of the Virgin. Their many prayers are also addressed these days to the intercessor of the Mother of God. In them, people thank her for giving mankind the hope of salvation and ask God to propitiate forgive them of all their sins.
In the homes of faithful Catholics during the celebration of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a festive atmosphere is also preserved. On this occasion, festive dishes are prepared, church candles are lit, and the youngest members of the family listen to the stories of parents, grandfathers and grandmothers about the amazing prophecy of the angel and the birth of the Virgin Mary.
