Motherhood Of The Blessed Virgin Mary

Prior to 1969, the Feast of the Motherhood of the Blessed Virgin Mary was on October 11. The calendar was revised in 1969, and now the feast is celebrated on January 1 during the Christmas season as the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.

In the revised ordering of the Christmas 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 January 1 in conformity with the ancient indication of the liturgy of the City of Rome, is meant to commemorate the part played by Mary in this mystery of salvation. It is meant also to exalt the singular dignity which this mystery brings to the 'holy Mother... through whom we were found worthy to receive the Author of life.14
Pope Paul VI. Marialis Cultus. Washington, D.C.: United States Catholic Conference, 1974.

The prayers at the TLM on the feast day of the Motherhood of the Blessed Virgin Mary emphasize Mary's blessedness and basically the fact that she is Mother of God. In the revised liturgy we further proclaim her as the mother of the Church in view of her relationship to Christ.

Ave Maris Stella

Hail, thou star of ocean,
Portal of the sky,
Every-Virgin Mother,
Of the Lord most High.

Oh! by Gabriel's Ave
Uttered long ago
Eva's name reversing
Peace confirm below.

Break the captive's fetters,
Light on blindness pour
Chase all evils from us,
Every bliss implore.

Show thyself a Mother,
Offer Him our sighs,
Who for us incarnate
Did not thee despise.

Virgin all excelling,
Passing meek and lowly,
Freed from guilt, preserve us
Blameless chaste and holy.

Still as on we journey
Help our weak endeavour
Till we gaze on Jesus
And rejoice for ever.

Father, Son, and Spirit,
Three in one confessing.
Give we equal glory,
Equal praise and blessing.
Amen