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The eighth of September is the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In other words it is the Birthday of Our Holy Mother Mary.
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Illustrations by Enid Chadwick of blessèd memory in her book 'The Church's Year' |
The following are some of the collects and prayers in use for celebrating this feast day:
O ALMIGHTY God, who didst endue with singular grace the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of our Lord: Vouchsafe, we beseech thee, to hallow our bodies in purity, and our souls in humility and love; through the same our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
The Book of Common Prayer, 1929, Scotland
Impart to your servants, we pray, O Lord, the gift of heavenly grace, that the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin may bring deeper peace to those for whom the birth of her Son was the dawning of salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Roman Missal, 3rd ed.
Almighty and everlasting God,
who stooped to raise fallen humanity
through the child-bearing of blessed Mary:
grant that we, who have seen your glory
revealed in our human nature
and your love made perfect in our weakness,
may daily be renewed in your image
and conformed to the pattern of your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Common Worship, Church of England
God most high,
whose handmaid bore the Word made flesh:
we thank you that in this sacrament of our redemption
you visit us with your Holy Spirit
and overshadow us by your power;
strengthen us to walk with Mary
the joyful path of obedience
and so to bring forth the fruits of holiness;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Common Worship, Church of England
