Msg Base:  AREA 5  - ASK FATHER            CIN ECHO   AMDG
  Msg No: 234.  Thu  1-30-92 21:57  (NO KILL)  (MAILED)
    From: Father Mateo
      To: Bob Crews
 Subject: Solemnity of the Mother of God

+-
| Earlier this month I raised a question as to the origin and significance
| of Jan 1 being a holy day of obligation, but to date no one has offered an
| answer/explanation. For my part, I've 2 explanations from years ago but I
| suspect they have become obsolete. One was that the feast day was in
| memory of the circumcision of Jesus, the other had to do with the Holy
| Family. Neither of these possible causes seem to hold significance to
| merit the establishment of a holy day of obligation. Is there more here
| than what meets the eye? Any comments?
+-[BC=>All]
 
Dear Bob,
 
Before 1969, we used to celebrate the Circumcision and Naming of Jesus
on January 1st.  In the renewal of our liturgy, January 1st is the
Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God.
 
Christopher O'Donnell writes: "The first of January is a rich meeting
of various ideas:....It prolongs the solemnity of 24 December....we
commemorate his circumcision and thus his submission to the Law....
The time of circumcision is the occasion for giving a child a name;
he is called Jesus....the feast occurs on the first day of the civil
year when people exchange good wishes.  In the Church these good wishes
are given a deeper religious meaning.  Finally....it is the World Day
of Peace.  In this rich cluster of themes (we) hold on to what is most
central: the virginal motherhood of Mary and the incarnation of her Son
born to be our Savior" (At Worship with Mary, p. 22).
 
Whether a feast is a holy day of obligation or not is a pastoral
decision.  In most place, January 1st is such a day.  In some dioceses,
it is not.  The Bishop decides.  That's his job!
 
                                Sincerely in Christ,
 
                                Father Mateo