Believe
Catholic Crafting: Wreath for the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
Catholics mark the changing of each year by celebrating the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, on January 1. We begin our journey through the new year by extolling the Virgin Mother of God, who gave birth to our salvation, and asking for her guidance and protection as we move through the next 12 months. It is a simply wonderful way to begin the New Year, with the love and help of the one who desires to bring us to her Son.
As a way to honor Our Lady throughout January, consider crafting the wreath below, or one like it, placing it in your Prayer Space, and then praying the prayers below.
The Wreath
The colors of the wreath are blue, silver and white, which reflect not only the quiet time of winter in the Northern Hemisphere, but also the colors of the Jewish people, representing the heritage and history of the Holy Family.
The wreath is divided into four quarters by silver balls, each accented with a rose, marking the four seasons of the calendar year. The large blue poinsettia is itself a star-like flower, on top of which is another ornament representing the Christmas star, which guided the Magi to Christ. These two stars remind us that by following Mary, we will find her son.
Hanging in the center of the wreath is an ornament of Mary, the Mother of God. She is shown in the orans position, in prayer. We ask for her continued prayers for us, and the entire world, throughout the coming year.
Finally, the wreath is also decorated with small blue roses and additional silver balls. The balls reflect the light, just as Mary reflects the light of God. The blue roses, themselves a Biblical symbol of Mary, remind us of the spiritual life, of both its thorns and its beauty and fruitfulness.
(For instructions to make this wreath visit https://www.thestrawberryvine.com/solemnity-of-mary-mother-of-god-wreath.html)
The Prayers
Prayer from Pope Francis, Holy Mass on the Solemnity in 2022
“At the beginning of the New Year, then, let us place ourselves under the protection of the Mother of God, who is also our mother. May she help us to keep and ponder all things, unafraid of trials and with the joyful certainty that the Lord is faithful and can transform every cross into a resurrection. Today, too, let us call upon her as did the People of God at Ephesus. Let us stand and, facing Our Lady as did the people of God in Ephesus, let us together repeat three times her title of Mother of God: ‘Holy Mother of God, Holy Mother of God, Holy Mother of God!’ Amen.”
From the January 1 Mass: Entrance Antiphon
“Hail, Holy Mother, who gave birth to the King
Who rules heaven and earth for ever.”
The Collect
O God, who through the fruitful virginity of Blessed Mary
Bestowed on the human race the grace of eternal salvation,
Grant, we pray, that we may experience the
Intercession of her, through whom we were found worthy
To receive the author of life, our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of
The Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
Excerpt from The Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Mother of Christ, pray for us.
Mother of the Church, pray for us.
Mother of divine grace, pray for us.
Mother most pure, pray for us.
Mystical rose, pray for us.
Tower of David, pray for us.
Tower of ivory, pray for us.
House of gold, pray for us.
Ark of the covenant, pray for us.
Gate of heaven, pray for us.
Morning star, pray for us.
Health of the sick, pray for us.
Refuge of sinners, pray for us.
Comforter of the afflicted, pray for us.
Help of Christians, pray for us.
Queen of Angels, pray for us.
Queen of Patriarchs, pray for us.
Queen of Prophets, pray for us.
Queen of Apostles, pray for us.
Queen of Martyrs, pray for us.
Queen of Confessors, pray for us.
Queen of Virgins, pray for us.
Queen of all Saints, pray for us.
Queen conceived without original sin, pray for us.
Queen assumed into heaven, pray for us.
Queen of the most holy Rosary, pray for us.
Queen of families, pray for us.
Queen of peace, pray for us.
Lamb of God, You take away sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, You take away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Your take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
About the Author
A life-long Catholic, Sarah has worked in Family Faith Formation for the past 15 years, helping parents, grandparents, godparents and children of all ages learn about and live their Catholic faith. She earned her undergraduate degree in English from the University of Dallas, then went on to complete a Master's in Language and Literature at St. Mary's University and years later, while living on a farm in rural Indiana with kids, dogs, chickens and ducks, she earned a Master's degree in Theology from Franciscan University of Stuebenville.
She especially loves using stories, particularly the stories of C.S.Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and the Inklings, as well as symbols and physical "stuff" to catechize. Having spent close to ten years as an employee at Hallmark Gold Crown stores, she often uses their collectible ornaments as doorways to connecting with Catholicism. She blogs, occasionally, at www.thestrawberryvine.com, in between working and taking care of her husband and 5 children. Living in central Texas, she loves bluebonnets, the Texas Hill Country, family and her two pit bull rescues, Rocco and Luna. Her latest project is working on a Doctorate degree in Romantic Theology.
