‘Hail, Full of Grace’: The Holy Name of Mary

Today in the old Roman Catholic calendar is the feast of the Holy Name of Mary, the beloved mother of Jesus Christ. This follows the celebration of Mary’s birth on Sept. 8 (in the Byzantine calendar, today is the Leave-taking of the Nativity of Mary feast).

Names have power. That is why the Jews were not allowed to speak the name of God (YHWH, or I AM WHO AM) casually or even in most religious rituals. That is why certain Biblical figures received new names or titles (e.g. Abram to Abraham, Sarai to Sara, Jacob to Israel, Simon to Peter, Saul to Paul, Mary to “Full of Grace”). So we call upon Mary by name, asking for her help in reaching Heaven (as we ask other Christians on earth for prayers).