The few historical details known about Mary’s life are those found in the Gospels, but there is nothing there about Mary’s birth or childhood. Mary’s first appearance in the Gospels is the scene where the Archangel Gabriel announces that she is to be the Mother of God. Tradition claims that Mary was born in Jerusalem, and as early as the fifth century the Jerusalem Church commemorated Mary’s birth on September 8. It seems that the commemoration arose in association with the church that was built near the Pool of Bethsaida and dedicated to the Birth of Mary. Tradition also claims that that church had been built on the site of the dwelling of SS. Joachim and Anne (see July 26), the parents of Mary. Years later, the name of the church was changed, and since the time of the crusaders it has been known as the Church of St. Anne. The final prayer in today’s Mass gives the reason why we are filled with joy at Mary’s birth, for it was she who brought the dawn of hope and salvation to the world in giving birth to Christ, our Savior.
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