January 1 marks the Solemnity of Mary. This feast day celebrates Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ. January 1 is the eighth day of Christmastide in the Catholic Church leading up to the Epiphany on January 6. On the Epiphany, we celebrate Jesus as the incarnate of God. Christmas does not end on December 25 for Catholics. We celebrate the birth of Christ and the revelation of Jesus as God for days after. 

One week after we celebrate Jesus’ birth to our mortal world, we take the time to cherish His mother. Mary’s vocation from God was to carry His son and bring peace to our world. 

We know it is difficult for some of our Notre Dame de Lourdes family to attend Mass in person, but we hope you are able to take the time to pray together with your family during this joyous Christmas season.