Britain makes room for Benedict

After spending several days avidly following Pope Benedicts historic visit to the United Kingdom I think this article sums it up best!

Britain makes room for Benedict

Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Today, is the "Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary". Much has been written about this day... by scholars who know far more that I do. Yet I feel that this is a special day... and which to commemorate it out of respect and love for the Blessed Virgin.

I found this lovely prayer:

Hail, Infant Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou forever, and blessed are thy holy parents Joachim and Anne, of whom thou wast miraculously born. Mother of God, intercede for us. We fly to thy patronage, holy and amiable Child Mary, despise not our prayers in our necessities, but deliver us from all dangers, glorious and blessed Virgin.

V. Pray for us, holy Child Mary.

R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us Pray: O almighty and merciful God, Who through the cooperation of the Holy Ghost, didst prepare the body and soul of the Immaculate Infant Mary that she might be the worthy Mother of Thy Son, and didst preserve her from all stain, grant that we who venerate with all our hearts her most holy childhood,
may be freed, through her merits and intercession, from all uncleanness of mind and body, and be able to imitate her perfect humility, obedience and charity.

Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

There are many wonderful websites where you can read more about the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Here are some links:

Fisheaters.com

The Mary Page

Our Lady's Birthday

In addition there are many blogs devoted to this feast day. Here is a sampling of some in which I found to be particularly charming and touching:

Catholic Fire

Catholic Family Vignettes

Catholic Cuisine

In closing, I would like to offer the following prayer found on the "Catholic Family Vignette's Blog:

Prayer to the Holy Child Mary

Sweet Child Mary, destined to be the Mother of God and our sovereign and loving Mother, by the prodigies of grace you lavish upon us, mercifully listen to my humble supplications. In the needs which press upon me from every side and especially in my present tribulation, I place all my trust in you.

O Holy Child, by the privileges granted to you alone and by the merits which you have acquired, be merciful to me this day. Show that the source of spiritual favors and the continuous benefits which you dispense are inexhaustible, because your power with the Heart of God is unlimited. Deign through the immense profusion of graces with which the Most High has enriched you from the first moment of your Immaculate Conception, grant me, O Celestial Child, my petition, and I shall eternally praise the goodness of your Heart.

Amen

In closing, I would like to offer humble and loving tidings to Our Lady. Happy Birthday Mother Mary..... I love you.