Throughout the year, the Catholic Church honors the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, with a myriad of feasts. These holy days reflect the profound role Mary has played in salvation history and the Church’s ongoing devotion to her.
Marian feast days can inspire us to draw closer to the Blessed Virgin Mary throughout the year. Each celebration invites us to reflect on different aspects of Mary’s life and virtues, providing unique opportunities to grow in our devotion and imitation of her.
For those who love Our Lady and seek to deepen their relationship with her, following these feasts can bring richness to their spiritual journey. Let’s explore the significant Marian feast days, beginning with those in January and moving through the calendar year.
Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (Jan 1)
This feast day commemorates the divine motherhood of Mary, highlighting her essential role in the incarnation of Jesus Christ. Declared a Holy Day of Obligation, it invites Catholics worldwide to start the New Year honoring Mary as the Mother of God, bringing forward themes of maternal love, sacrifice, and divinity.
The Epiphany of the Lord (January 6)
The feast of the Epiphany celebrates the visit of the Magi to the Christ Child. It underscores the manifestation of Jesus to the Gentiles, as represented by the Magi. As Mary presented her Son to these foreign visitors, she was instrumental in this key event in Salvation History.
Our Lady of Prompt Succor (January 8)
Specifically celebrated in Louisiana, USA, this feast day honors Our Lady under the title “Prompt Succor,” crediting her for miraculous intercessions during historical events. The devotion is a significant part of New Orleans’ Catholic heritage, showcasing Mary’s protective and motherly care.
Presentation of the Lord (February 2)
Also known as Candlemas, this feast day commemorates the presentation of Jesus at the Temple, an event where Mary and Joseph offered their child to God. While it’s primarily focused on Jesus, the day also underscores Mary’s obedience and faith.
Our Lady of Lourdes (February 11)
This feast day celebrates the apparitions of Mary to St. Bernadette Soubirous at Lourdes, France, in 1858. Our Lady of Lourdes is a beacon of healing and hope, making her feast day a special time for prayer for the sick and suffering.
Annunciation of the Lord (March 25)
Nine months before Christmas, the Church celebrates the Annunciation, the moment the Angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would conceive a child by the Holy Spirit. This feast day celebrates Mary’s “Yes” to God’s plan, marking her as the model of faith and obedience.
Our Lady of Fatima (May 13)
On this day, the Church celebrates the apparitions of Mary to three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal, in 1917. Our Lady of Fatima is a strong call to repentance and prayer, especially the prayer of the Rosary for peace in the world.
Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (May 31)
This feast day recalls the joyful visit Mary made to her cousin Elizabeth after the Annunciation. It celebrates the Magnificat, Mary’s hymn of praise to God, and the communion of joy and service between these two holy women.
Immaculate Heart of Mary (Saturday following the 2nd Sunday after Pentecost)
This feast day is dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, a symbol of her love for God and her maternal love for all people. Celebrated within the broader context of the Sacred Heart devotion, it invites us to imitate Mary’s heart in our lives.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel (July 16)
This feast commemorates the appearance of Mary to St. Simon Stock in the 13th century. As Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Mary bestowed the Brown Scapular, a symbol of protection and a pledge of her motherly protection.
Our Lady of the Snows (August 5)
According to tradition, this feast celebrates a miraculous snowfall in Rome on a hot summer day in the 4th century, a sign that led to the building of the Basilica of St. Mary Major, the oldest church in the West dedicated to the honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (August 15)
This Holy Day of Obligation celebrates Mary’s assumption, body and soul, into heaven. This feast day highlights the Church’s hope in the resurrection of the body and eternal life.
Our Lady of Knock (August 21)
This day marks the apparition of Mary, along with St. Joseph and St. John the Evangelist, at Knock, Ireland, in 1879. It is a silent apparition, where no words were spoken, but a strong message of hope and comfort was imparted to the local community.
Queenship of Mary (August 22)
A week after celebrating the Assumption, the Church commemorates Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth. This feast day reminds us of Mary’s special place in God’s Kingdom and her ongoing intercession for all her spiritual children.
Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (September 8)
The Church celebrates the birthday of Mary on this day. This joyful feast day reminds us of the human beginnings of the woman who would become the Mother of God.
Holy Name of Mary (September 12)
This lesser-known feast day encourages reverence for the holy name of Mary. Like her Son Jesus, whose name is also venerated, Mary’s name carries significant importance. It is a reminder of her unique role in salvation history and an invitation to call on her in prayer.
Our Lady of Sorrows (September 15)
One week after celebrating her birth, the Church reflects on Mary’s profound suffering as the Mother of Jesus. By focusing on her seven sorrows, this feast day invites us to find solace in Mary’s understanding and compassion amidst our struggles and pain.
Our Lady of La Salette (September 19)
The feast commemorates the apparition of Mary to two children in La Salette, France, in 1846. Our Lady of La Salette, weeping over mankind’s sins and calling for repentance, emphasizes the consequences of neglecting prayer and disrespecting the Lord’s Day.
Our Lady, Star of the Sea/Stella Maris (Sept 27)
This feast day honors Mary under the title “Star of the Sea” or “Stella Maris.” This ancient title is associated with seafarers and travelers, for whom the North Star was a vital navigation guide. As Our Lady, Star of the Sea, Mary is seen as a guiding light, leading us through the uncertainties and storms of life towards her Son, Jesus Christ. This feast day invites us to reflect on Mary’s unwavering guidance and support, reminding us to turn to her whenever we feel lost or overwhelmed.
Our Lady, Undoer of Knots (September 28)
This feast is dedicated to Mary under the title “Undoer of Knots,” which stems from a German Baroque image where Mary is depicted untangling a ribbon, symbolizing her role in untangling the knots of our lives. This devotion became widely known through Pope Francis, who fostered a strong devotion to Our Lady under this title. It is a reminder of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s intercessory power, her willingness to take on our troubles—our “knots”—and guide us towards resolution and peace. On this day, we are invited to present our struggles to Mary, confident that she will assist us with her motherly love and care.
Our Lady of the Rosary (October 7)
This feast day celebrates the powerful prayer of the Rosary, traditionally believed to have been given by Mary to St. Dominic. It highlights Mary’s role in our spiritual battles and her help in drawing us closer to Jesus through the mysteries of the Rosary.
Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (November 21)
This feast day remembers the presentation of Mary in the Temple as a young child, underscoring her lifelong dedication to God. Though not recorded in the Bible, the event is part of the apocryphal writings and continues to inspire faith in God’s providential plans.
Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal (November 27)
On this day, the Church celebrates the apparition of Mary to St. Catherine Laboure in 1830 in Paris, where she revealed the design of the Miraculous Medal. This day recalls Mary’s promise of graces to those who wear the medal with confidence.
Immaculate Conception (December 8)
This Holy Day of Obligation celebrates Mary’s conception without original sin, setting her apart as the pure vessel for the Incarnation of God. It proclaims the grace of God and the destiny of Mary as the Mother of Jesus.
Our Lady of Loreto (December 10)
This feast honors the Holy House of Loreto, the house where Mary was born and where the Annunciation took place. Tradition tells us that it was transported by angels from the Holy Land to Loreto, Italy, in the 13th century.
Our Lady of Guadalupe (December 12)
This feast day recalls the apparitions of Mary to St. Juan Diego in Mexico in 1531. As Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mary appears as a comforting and protective mother, deeply loved especially by the people of the Americas.
Nativity of the Lord/Christmas (December 25)
The Nativity of the Lord, or Christmas, is a central feast in the Christian calendar, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Though this feast day is primarily focused on Jesus, the role of Mary is central. It was Mary who said “yes” to the angel Gabriel, accepted the divine plan, and gave birth to the Savior in a stable in Bethlehem. This feast day reminds us of Mary’s critical role in the Incarnation and her joys and trials as the Mother of God.
Feast of the Holy Family (Sunday within the Octave of Christmas)
The Feast of the Holy Family is a festive occasion celebrating the family life of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. This feast provides an opportunity to reflect on the family virtues lived by the Holy Family of Nazareth. The day is a reminder of Mary’s central role as a mother, providing love, guidance, and care to the child Jesus and nurturing his growth “in wisdom and stature” (Luke 2:52).
The Holy Innocents, Martyrs (December 28)
While this feast day is dedicated to the memory of the infants in Bethlehem slaughtered by King Herod, it is also a reminder of the sufferings Mary endured as a mother. This massacre caused the Holy Family to flee into Egypt, a journey undoubtedly marked by fear and hardship.
A Year of Marian Devotion
In celebrating these feasts, we remember the important role the Blessed Virgin Mary played throughout these significant events in the life of Christ. Her presence, love, and devotion to her Son during these moments highlight her singular position as the Mother of God, making her a beacon of faith, hope, and love for all believers.
The Catholic Church’s many feast days for the Blessed Virgin Mary imbue every year with continual Marian devotion. And, as we remember these holy days, we’re reminded of Mary’s central role in our faith, her loving intercession, and her example of discipleship. Let us rejoice and give thanks for the many blessings that come through Our Lady throughout the year.
Marian Devotionals
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These are just a few of the more well-known devotions to the Virgin Mary that have been revered throughout Catholic history. They serve as a collective reminder of Mary’s role in salvation history and her continued intercession for humanity. Each of them provide the faithful with a way to draw closer to Mary and to seek her guidance and intercession in their daily lives.
- The Rosary: As the most popular devotion to the Virgin Mary, the rosary involves meditation on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Rosary has been around since the 12th century and is still widely practiced today (also see our Rosary Rings and Rosary Bracelets).
- The Immaculate Heart of Mary: The Immaculate Heart of Mary is a devotion that honors Mary’s love for humanity and her role in the salvation of souls.
- Our Lady of Guadalupe: In Mexico, the Virgin Mary appeared to Juan Diego in 1531, identifying herself as Our Lady of Guadalupe.
- The Miraculous Medal: The Miraculous Medal was designed by St. Catherine Labouré in 1830 after a vision of the Virgin Mary. According to the Blessed Mother, wearing the Miraculous Medal can bring about miracles and graces.
- The Seven Sorrows of Mary: The Seven Sorrows of Mary are the seven moments in Mary’s life when she experienced great sorrow.
- Our Lady of Lourdes: In 1858, the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernadette Soubirous in Lourdes, France, and identified herself as the Immaculate Conception.
- Our Lady of Fatima: In 1917, the Virgin Mary appeared to three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal, and delivered a message of peace and repentance.
- The Scapular: Our Lady of Mount Carmel is a devotion that honors Mary’s role as the patroness of the Carmelite Order. The devotion involves wearing the Brown Scapular and seeking Mary’s intercession.
Aside from these and the products shown below, other popular Marian devotions and devotional items on CatholicShop.com include Mary Statues, Marian Art, and Virgin Mary Medals.
