It is a day for celebrating our family, giving thanks to God for all the gifts he gives us, and renewing our dedication to serving the Congregation and the Church through the charism we have been given.
Most of the readings from the liturgies of the day recall the Annunciation, when our salvation begins when an archangel speaks the name of Mary, the pronouncement in which the salvation of each individual is bound (St. Louis de Montfort).
Her name bears immense power because of the unique bond between Mary and her Son. When God sent his Son born of a woman, he instituted a once and for all order of salvation in which the union of Mother and Child stands at the center (Romanus Cessario, OP).
Here is an excerpt from the Office of Readings for the day:
Second Reading: Mariam cogita, Mariam invoca, St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Abbot and Doctor
And the Virgin's name was Mary. Let us now say a few words about this name, which is said to mean "star of the sea," and is so becoming to the Virgin Mother... All of you, whoever you are, who feel that in the tidal wave of this world you are near to being tossed about among the storms and tempests than walking on the land, if you do not want to founder in the tempest, do not turn your eyes away from this shining star. When the wind of temptation blows up within you, when you strike upon the rock of tribulation, gaze up at this star, call out to Mary. If you are tossed by the waves of pride or ambition, slander or envy, look to the star, call upon Mary. If anger or greed or the desires of the flesh are battering the ship of your soul, gaze up at Mary. When the immensity of your sin weighs you down and you are ashamed of your guilty conscience, when the terrifying thought of judgment appalls you and you begin to sink into the gulf of sadness or the abyss of despair, think of Mary, call upon Mary. Let her name be even on your lips, ever in your heart. Follow the example of her life and you will obtain the favor of her prayer. Following her, you will not go astray. Invoking her, you will not despair. Thinking of her, you will not wander away. Upheld by her, you will not stumble. Protected by her, you will not fear. Guided by her, you will not tire. Favored by her, you will reach the goal. Then you will know by your own experience how true it is that "the Virgin's name was Mary."
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