Fruitful Virginity

Altar of Our Lady, Birmingham Oratory, August 2019

‘In the revised ordering of the Christian period it seems to us that the attention of all should be directed towards the restored Solemnity of Mary the holy Mother of God. This celebration, placed on 1 January in conformity with the ancient indication of the liturgy of the City of Rome, is meant to commemorate the part played by Mary in the mystery of salvation. It is meant also to exalt the singular dignity which this mystery brings to the “holy Mother… through whom we have been found worthy to receive the Author of Life”. It is likewise a fitting occasion for renewing adoration of the new-born Prince of Peace, for listening once more to the glad tidings of the angels, and for imploring from God, through the Queen of Peace, the supreme gift of peace’.
 
Pope St Paul VI, 1897-1978

O God, who by the fruitful virginity of Blessed Mary hast bestowed upon mankind the reward of eternal salvation: grant, we beseech thee, that we may know the help of her intercession, through whom we have been counted worthy to receive the Author of our life, Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord; who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ​ever one God, world without end. Amen. - ​Divine Worship: The Missal.