There follow the feasts of the Blessed Virgin Mary, arranged according to the dates on which they fall:
1. The Betrothal of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Desponsatio B. M. V.) - or, more accurately, the designation S. Conjugium B. Mariae Deiparae et S. Josephi (The Holy Marriage of the Blessed Mary, Mother of God, and Saint Joseph) - since the term desponsatio strictly refers to betrothal. This feast has been celebrated almost everywhere since 1725 and is based on Matthew 1:20, 23.
2. The Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, or Candlemas (Purificatio B. M. V. - also known as Occursus Domini or Festum Praesentationis Domini, which indicates that this was originally a feast of the Lord). Because of the blessing of candles and the candlelight procession associated with it, the Church makes reference to the "light for the enlightening of the Gentiles" (Luke 2:32); for this same reason, it is also called the Festum candelarum (Feast of Candles). The feast was celebrated as early as the 4th century, and from the 7th century onward, it passed from the Greek Church to the Roman Church; the blessing of candles can be traced back to the 11th century.
3. The Ten Virtues of the Most Blessed Virgin; this little-known feast is mentioned by the Bollandists on February 4.
4. Apparition of the Immaculate Virgin Mary at Lourdes; prescribed for general observance since 1907.
5. According to an article by Brinktrinne in "Theologie und Glaube" (Vol. 16, p. 384 ff.), the oldest feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary was celebrated on the Sunday before Christmas - a general feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary as the Theotokos (Mother of God) - dating back to a time even before the Council of Ephesus.
6. The Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Annuntiatio B. M. V.). The various names by which it was formerly known - such as the Feast of the Incarnation (the becoming-flesh/human of the Son of God), the Beginning of the Lord’s Redemption (Initium redemptionis), the Annunciation of Christ (Annuntiatio Dominica, Annuntiatio Christi), or the Feast of the Conception of Jesus (Festum Conceptionis) - indicate that this feast was originally a feast of the Lord. Among the Greeks, it was known as the Feast of the Glad Tidings - the joyful greeting. It has been recognized as a non-public feast since at least 430 AD. March 25 is also strongly associated with weavers, as Greek art often depicts Mary spinning at the time of the Angel’s Annunciation; according to legend, she spent much of her time engaged in embroidery and weaving during her upbringing in the Temple. In some places, this feast is also associated with bakers, sawyers, cooks, butchers, couriers, and newspaper deliverers - all linked to the concept of a "message" or "tidings."
7. The Feast of the Seven Sorrows (Septem Dolores B. M. V. - referred to as Transfixio in the Preface of the Holy Mass) has been observed since 1727. (Also known as Sorrowful Friday.) It is celebrated on the Friday of Passion Week and on September 15.
8. The Feast of Our Lady of Good Counsel (De bono Consilio) is associated with the miraculous image of the same name in Genazzano, near Rome (April 26).
9. The Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Divine Shepherd (Mater Divini Pastoris). According to the Missal of Benedict XV, it is now observed on September 3, or on the Monday following the second Sunday after Easter.
10. In Rome, this marks the consecration of the church of Sancta Maria ad Martyres. During the reign of Emperor Phocas, in the early 7th century, Pope Saint Boniface IV purified the ancient Pantheon - the temple dedicated to all the pagan gods - of its heathen abominations and consecrated it as a Christian church in honour of the Most Blessed Virgin and all the martyrs. May 13.
11. Feast of Mary, Help of Christians (Auxilium Christianorum); established in 1814 by Pope Pius VII as a feast of thanksgiving for his liberation from French captivity, though not universally prescribed. May 24.
12. Feast of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of All Saints and Mother of Fair Love (B. M. V. Reginae Sanctorum omnium et Matris pulchrae dilectionis); according to the new Missal, May 31.
13a. Mary, Mediatrix of All Graces (Mediatrix omnium gratiarum), approved by Benedict XV.
13b. Mother of Graces (B. M. V. Matris Gratiarum); on this day, according to the Missal of Benedict XV, falls the Feast of Our Lady of Mercy.
14. Feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Help (B. M. V. de perpetuo succursu), associated with the miraculous image of the same name at the Church of St. Alphonsus in Rome; approved by Pius IX. Now celebrated on June 27, or the last Sunday in June.
15. Feast of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of the Apostles (B. M. V. Regina Apostolorum); according to the Missale Romanum of Benedict XV, celebrated on the Saturday within the Octave of the Ascension.
16. The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Visitatio B. M. V.), prescribed for the entire Church in 1389. July 2.
17. Feast of the Stole; one of the feasts observed by specific churches, religious orders, and confraternities, granted to them by the head of the Church. July 2/3.
18. Prodigiorum B. M. V., the Feast of the Miraculous Deeds of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary; according to the Missal of Benedict XV. July 9.
19. Commemoration of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel (Commemoratio B. M. V. de Monte Carmelo), which originated from a Feast of an Order or Confraternity, also known as the Feast of the Scapular; celebrated throughout the Church since 1726. 16 July.
20. Feast of the Humility of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, according to the Missal of Benedict XV. 17 July.
21. The Feast of the Synaxis, mentioned by the Bollandists. 21 July.
22. The Portiuncula Feast, associated with the indulgence of the same name, was originally granted for the small church of "Our Lady of the Angels" near Assisi. 2 August.
23. Our Lady of the Snows (ad Nives). A commemoration of the dedication of the basilica built by Pope Liberius on the Esquiline Hill in Rome, which was later elevated to the status of a church dedicated to the Mother of God (Santa Maria Maggiore) by Sixtus III (d. 440). The "miracle of the snow" is a medieval legend; the feast was made universal by Pius V. 5 August. Patronal feast for dyers, lace-makers (primarily in Flanders), and embroiderers - though the reason for this patronage is not specified.
24. Feast of the Apparition of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, known as de Mercede (September 24 [August 10]).
25. Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title "Refuge of Sinners," according to the Roman Missal of Benedict XV (Aug. 13).
26. The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Assumptio or Ascensus B. M. V.) - the feast of the bodily assumption of Mary into heaven. In connection with this, the Eastern Church celebrates the feast of the Koimesis - that is, the "Dormitio", "Pausatio", "Depositio", or "Transitus" - which places particular emphasis on the passing (death) of Mary. This is often considered the oldest feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary; it appears as early as the Sacramentary of Pope Gelasius I (492-496) and in the Calendarium Romanae Ecclesiae, which dates from the 4th or, at the latest, the 5th century, it is stated: XV mensis Augusti Assumptio S. Mariae (the 15th of August, the Assumption of Saint Mary). The day of the Most Blessed Virgin’s passing was reportedly celebrated earlier on January 16 or 18. Also worth mentioning is the blessing of herbs - a custom practiced on this day in many regions of Germany since the 10th century - which includes the use of the so-called "Mother of God candle" (mullein); originally a collection of medicinal herbs gathered during their flowering season, it now consists more of flowers. August 15 is the patronal feast for all Cistercian churches, the Diocese of Freiburg im Breisgau, the Diocese and city of Strasbourg, as well as countless cathedrals, abbeys, monasteries, and parish churches. It is also a day of observance for dyers, tanners, and saddlers, and is invoked during times of general distress or to seek the gift of children (though the specific reason for the latter is not stated).
27. Feast of the Most Pure Heart of Mary (Purissimi Cordis B. M. V.); celebrated in France as early as 1688. According to the Missale Romanum of Benedict XV, it is celebrated on the Saturday following the octave of Corpus Christi, or alternatively on the third Sunday after Pentecost, or on the Sunday following the octave of the Assumption of Mary.
28. Mary, Consolation (B. M. V. de consolatione seu cincturatorum), or the feast associated with the Confraternity of the Girdle; according to the Missal of Benedict XV, it is observed on the Saturday following the feast of Saint Augustine (previously celebrated on the Sunday following the feast of Saint Augustine, or on June 20).
29. Feast of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary under the title Health of the Sick (Salus Infirmorum), according to the Missal of Benedict XV. Saturday before the last Sunday in August.
30. Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Nativitas B. M. V.); already appears in the Sacramentary of Pope Gelasius I (492-496); became a universal feast of the Church in the 11th century. September 8. Patroness of ribbon-weavers, distillers, vinegar-makers, fringe-makers, innkeepers, cooks, workers who handle gold and silver fabrics, lemonade sellers, needle-makers, restaurateurs, saltwater fishmongers, silk workers, potters, and cloth-makers - according to Cahier; no reason provided.
31. The Most Holy Name of Mary (Sanctissimi Nominis B. M. V.), commemorating the liberation of Vienna from the Turks and the victory won over them. September 12, or the Sunday within the octave of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Previously, it was observed on September 22, following the Jewish custom of naming girls fourteen days after birth.
32. The "Thirtieth" (Trigesimus), following the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary; it is a common custom to observe the thirty days from the Assumption (August 15) until September 13 with some form of Marian devotion. The "Thirtieth" is not, however, a formal feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary. September 13.
33. Our Lady of Ransom (B. M. V. de Mercede - the ransoming of captives); under this title, the Order was founded by Saint Peter Nolasco in 1223 for the purpose of ransoming Christian slaves. In the Missale Romanum, the feast is associated with August 10 - the day the Mother of God appeared to Saint Peter Nolasco - but it is celebrated on September 24. Originally observed only by the Mercedarians as an order-specific feast, it was extended to the universal Church in 1696. The "ransoming of captives" refers to Christians held in Muslim captivity who were at risk of being forced to apostatise from the Christian faith. September 24 (alternatively August 10).
34. Feast of the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Septem Dolorum B. M. V.), or of the Sorrowful Mother (Mater Dolorosa). Initially celebrated only as a feast day of the Servite Order, it has been observed generally since 1814. September 15, and the Friday of Passion Week.
35. Feast of the Holy Rosary (Solemnitas Ss. Rosarii B. M. V.), named after the Rosary prayer; in some places, this feast is also referred to as the "Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary" (Protectio B. M. V.). The naval victory over the Turks at Lepanto on October 7, 1571, was attributed to the prayer of the Rosary, prompting Pope Pius V to institute a feast of thanksgiving. In 1716, Pope Clement XI extended the Feast of the Holy Rosary to the entire Church; it is also known as the Feast of Our Lady of Victory. Observed on October 7, or on the first Sunday of October.
36. Commemoration of Our Lady of Victory (Commemoratio B. M. V. de victoria), which actually coincides with the Feast of the Rosary and shares the same origin. 1st Sunday in October.
37. Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Maternitas B. M. V.); according to the Missal of Benedict XV, October 11; formerly the 2nd Sunday in October.
38. Purity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Puritas B. M. V.); according to the Missal of Benedict XV, October 16; formerly the 3rd Sunday in October.
39. Feast of the Patronage of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Festum Patrocinii B. M. V.), which spread from Spain starting in 1679. 2nd or 3rd Sunday in November.
40. Feast of the Seven Joys of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Gaudiorum B. M. V.) - the number of which is sometimes reckoned as 5, sometimes 7, and occasionally 15; celebrated in the Diocese of Sion (Sitten) in Switzerland since 1728, and also within the Franciscan Order. August 22.
41. Feast of the Mother of Divine Providence (Missal of Benedict XV). Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in November.
42. Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Praesentatio B. M. V.); according to the apocryphal gospels, Mary was presented to God by her parents in the Temple at the age of three. While this feast has no basis in the Bible, it was observed early on in the Eastern Church - where it was known as the "Entry of the Virgin Mary into the Temple" - and is said to have existed as early as the year 730. It was introduced universally by Pope Sixtus V in 1585. November 21.
43. Feast of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, 27 June (Mission of Rome, Benedict XV).
44. Immaculate Conception (Immaculatae Conceptionis); celebrated in the East since the 5th century, in the West, Saint Ildephon of Toledo is considered its first founder. It was celebrated in just a few places, and only became general following the decree of Sixtus IV in 1477. In 1708, Clement XI elevated it to a day of obligation for the entire Church. In the Greek Church, it is called the "Conception of Saint Anne, Mother of the Most Holy (hyperagias) Theotokos [Mother of God]." December 8. Patronage: Linz upon the Danube; also patron of coopers, upholsterers, and cloth-shearers (according to Cahier, though no reason is provided).
45. Translation of the Holy House of Loreto (Translatio domus S. Lauretanae). The question regarding the historical veracity of the translation of the house from Nazareth - first to Dalmatia and subsequently to Loreto - is a matter of "pious belief" and remains independent of historical fact. It has been scientifically demonstrated that the pilgrimage site existed prior to the emergence of this legend; however, the legend is certainly responsible for the site's renown and flourishing. This belief gave rise to many other devotional sites - modelled precisely after the Holy House of Loreto - in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary, as well as the magnificent Litany of Loreto. December 10.
46. Feast of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary: In Expectation of the Birth [Exspectatio partus B. M. V.] (from the Missale Romanum of Benedict XV). In Spain, the Feast of the Annunciation was originally known by this name; it is also called the "Feast of the Great O," a reference to the well-known "Great O" antiphons used during the season of Advent. December 18.
47. Feast of Mary, Mother of Mercy. Celebrated on the Saturday preceding the fourth Sunday in July. Also to be noted are certain feast days specific to particular religious orders - some of which coincide with the aforementioned celebration - such as: for the Carmelites (both the Calced and Discalced branches), the Feast of the Scapular on July 16; for the Franciscans, the Feast of the Seven Joys of Mary, celebrated on August 22; for the Dominicans, the Feast of the Holy Rosary, celebrated on the first Sunday of October; and for the Jesuits, the Feast of Madonna della Strada (Our Lady of the Way), celebrated on May 24. For the Capuchins: Mother of the Good Shepherd (Mater Divini Pastoris), feast day celebrated by the order on the second Sunday after Easter. Augustinians: Mother of Good Counsel, feast day celebrated by the order on April 26. Also Augustinians: Mother of Consolation, feast day celebrated by the order on the Sunday following August 28. Redemptorists: Mother of Perpetual Help, feast day celebrated by the order on the Sunday before June 24. Lazarists (Vincentians): Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, feast day celebrated by the order on November 27. Servites: Our Lady of Sorrows, feast day celebrated by the order on September 15. Mercedarians: Our Lady of Mercy (de Mercede), feast day celebrated by the order on September 24. Somascans: Queen of Orphans, feast day celebrated by the order on April 29. Camillians: Our Lady, Health of the Sick, feast day celebrated by the order on November 16. Theatines: Purity of Mary, feast day celebrated by the order on October 16. Barnabites: Mother of Divine Providence, feast day celebrated by the order on the third Sunday in November. Pallottines: Queen of the Apostles, feast day celebrated by the order on the Friday after the Ascension of Christ. Hieronymites: Mother of Grace, feast day celebrated by the order on the second Sunday in May. Minims: Our Lady of the Well, feast day celebrated by the order on July 21. Also Minims: Our Lady of the Medal, feast day celebrated by the order on January 20. Salvatorians: Mother of the Saviour, feast day celebrated by the order on October 11. Order of Saint John of God (Hospital Brothers): Feast of the Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, celebrated by the order on the first Sunday of September. Teutonic Knights: Our Lady of the German House of Jerusalem, celebrated by the order on November 23. Eudists: Heart of Mary, celebrated by the order on February 8. Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans): Refuge of Sinners, celebrated by the Order on January 16. Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary (Picpus Fathers): Our Lady of Peace, celebrated by the Order on July 9. Oblates of the Immaculate Conception: feast day of the order, February 17. Piarists (Order of Poor Clerics Regular of the Mother of God of the Pious Schools): feast day of the order, third Sunday in June. Fathers of the Most Precious Blood: Our Lady of Grace, feast day of the order, May 12. White Fathers (Society of Missionaries of Africa): Our Lady of Africa, feast day of the order: April 30.
For the sake of completeness, one should also mention Saturday and the month of May - with its "May devotions" - both of which are especially dedicated to the Most Blessed Virgin; the month of May has effectively superseded the "Thirty Days" (the 30-day period following the Assumption, ending September 13) - a devotion that was once more widely observed. October, too, is dedicated to the Mother of God as the "Month of the Rosary." Also worthy of note are the Marian Congregations, which exist for people of every conceivable walk of life.
Source: Franz von Sales Doyé, Saints and Blesseds of the Roman Catholic Church: Their Identifying Attributes, Patronages, and Biographical Notes, Volume 1, Vier Quellen Verlag, Leipzig, 1929
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