Most blessed are you among women

Today's feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary is one of the lesser-known feasts pertaining to her and, thus, not as widely celebrated. It is an occasion to express our love and devotion to Mama Mary and to seek her guidance and protection in our spiritual journey in this valley of tears.

- 

In the first century of Christianity, Mary had always been honored by the apostolic community as "the mother of Jesus."

The distinct honor given to Mary was formalized in the Council of Ephesus in 431 when she was declared “Mother of God” or “God-bearer” (Theotokos). By the sixth century, the angelic greeting in Luke 1:28 was commonly used as a prayer: “Hail Mary, full of grace! The Lord is with you.”