MANILA, Philippines — September 8 is a special day for Christians all over the world because on this day we celebrate the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus our Lord. Today is nine months after December 8, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Nothing is said about the birth of Mary in the Bible. The source for the story of the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary is the Protoevangelium of James, an apocryphal Gospel written about A.D. 150. From it, we learn the names of Mary’s parents, Joachim and Anna, as well as the tradition that the couple was childless until an angel appeared to Anna and told her that she would conceive.

The Holy Mother Church celebrates the earthly birthday of Mary because she continues to live in the hearts and minds of every Christian. She continues to inspire us to live our lives meaningfully and joyfully even in the midst of hardships and disappointments.

She continues to be an instrument of God’s grace for us who are in most need of Divine providence. She continues to shelter us with her mantle of maternal protection. She continues and will never cease to be a mother for us all – a mother who cares and guides, a mother who nurtures and comforts her children in times of distress, a mother who leads her own to the right path.

We thank the Lord today for giving us such an example of a true disciple of the Lord. As the first follower of Jesus Christ, she gave her all and dedicated her entire life for the cause of the Kingdom of God. She inspired the apostles of Jesus until the very end of her earthly life.

We continue to celebrate Mary’s birth because we share in the joy of her life. It is a time to look at her life lived to the fullest, and imitate her example of obedience, purity, generosity, and total commitment to the Lord. May this be an occasion for us to commit ourselves to follow her and love Jesus with wholeheartedly. This is the greatest birthday present we can offer Mary on her birthday. This is our commitment to the Lord.

Happy Birthday, Mama Mary!