On New Year's Day, Sunday, Jan. 1, we celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, by conducting a feast. The feast concludes the octave, which is an eight-day celebration of Christmas Day. Only Christmas and Easter enjoy the privilege of an octave. On this holy day of obligation, the Church focuses on celebrating Mary’s motherhood of Jesus and her role in humanity’s salvation. Honoring Mary as the Mother of God dates back to the Council of Ephesus in 431. The title “Mother of God” is a western derivation from the Greek Theotokos, which means “God-bearer.” We are reminded of the role that the Blessed Virgin played in the plan of our salvation. Through the Holy Spirit, God the Father prepared Mary to be the dwelling place where His Son and His Spirit could dwell among men. Christ’s birth was made possible by Mary’s fiat, or sanctioning of God’s plan with her words, “Be it done to me according to thy word.” Calling Mary “Mother of God” is the highest honor we can give to her. Just as Christmas honors Jesus as the “Prince of Peace,” the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God honors Mary as the “Queen of Peace.” New Year’s Day also is designated as the “World Day of Peace,” further acknowledging the role of Mary in our hearts and in our world. Many blessings to you and your families in 2023.