A New Year, My Birthday, and the Solemnity of Mary

"Hail, heavenly ladder by which God came down; hail, bridge leading from earth to heaven." Agathistos Hymn, Greek –6th century.

It is a challenge to be born on a day so charged with potential and even more so to me, who was the first baby of that year in my city when I was born. There is a forward surge, everyone leaning into New Year's promises, open to the possibilities of new successes and new joys. And it is in the Catholic church, a holy day of obligation, celebrating the Solemnity of Mary, her life one long and never-ending New Year's promise to reconnect humanity with the divine.

This day offers me a moment to contemplate the example of Mary's life, rich in grace, compassion, and fertility. It's also an opportunity to think about how, in the coming year, I shall shape my actions, be productive in my work, and be open to those graces that enrich my life through family and friends. Not resolutions exactly, but a commitment to be fully present and thankful every day.

Art: Late 15th century (1485-1488) Italy Madonna and Child with Joseph, Elizabeth, and John the Baptist by Andrea Mantegna.