Today is the feast of the Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Catholic girls everywhere love this holiday, since so many of them have at least some combination of "Mary" in their name: Mary Ann, Mary Beth, Mary Jane, Mary Jo, Mary Pat, Mary Catherine, etc. etc. Add to that all the "Maries" and "Marias," including in middle names and it's a large feast day indeed. And on a person's feast day, at least in our home, he or she receives a little gift, plus they are excused from all chores and their any little request must be acceded to. And I'm told Protestants just pick names based on how they sound!
Today we actually honor Mary as Mother of the Church and thank God for all the graces we have received through the mediation of Mary. I know I have. A mediator can also be an advocate, so we have reason to hope that in heaven we who loved Mary have an advocate in her.
And what about her name? While all the other "Marys" in the New Testament are given the rendering "Maria" in Greek, the best manuscripts give Our Lady the spelling "Mariam." "For her alone, the Old Testament form of the name is preferred." - Butler's Lives. It kind of distinguishes her in dignity. And while the actual meaning of the name, in whatever form, is disputed, most scholars feel it is something similar to "wished-for child" (appropriate, in Mary's case) and NOT "bitterness," "the sea" or "a star," as was long thought.
Happy Mary's Day!
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