Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

On September 8, the Catholic Church celebrates the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The feast day comes nine months after the celebration of Mary's immaculate conception (December 8).

The circumstances of Mary's birth or childhood are not included in the Bible, but tradition has it that she was the daughter of Saints Anne and Joachim and was born in Jerusalem. Although we don't know anything about her childhood, we can trust that her parents raised her to love and serve God, evidenced by the faith and trust she placed in him when the Angel Gabriel appeared to her to let her know she would give birth to Jesus. 

The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is one of only three birthdays the Church celebrates, the others being those of St. John the Baptist and Jesus.

Resources

Origins of the Feast Day (Vatican News / External Link)

Pope Leo XIV Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary

Pope Francis Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary (External Link)