Holy Name of Mary

This feast of the Holy Name of Mary was celebrated since 1513, instituted in Spain, and was extended to the entire world in 1683 and assigned to the Sunday after the Nativity of Mary (September 8.) In 1954 it was re-instated on September 12, but removed temporarily as many thought it was a duplication of the Nativity of Mary. But in 2001, the feast was re-established to be celebrated today September 12. We honor today the name of Mary, or Mariam or Miriam in Hebrew. The name most probably originated from the Egyptian Meri-Amun, meaning “beloved of the God.” The name is very common in Arab, Iranian and Muslim countries. However Mary is called by an innumerable other names that denote a connection with an apparition or something special, Our Lady of Lourdes, Fatima, Joy, Queen of Peace, Angels, Perpetual Help, Our Lady of Snows, Our Lady of Guadalupe, etc.