Course 4, Chapter 48: Christianity visible. — Nati vi ty. — Presentation

1. What feast do we celebrate on the 8th of Sepiember?

On the 8th of September we celebrate the feast Df the Nativity, that is, the birth of the Blessed Virgin.

2. Is this feast of ancient date?

It is of the eleventh century; it appears to have originated in France, whence it passed into the other portions of the church.

3. What must we do to celebrate it well?

We must: 1 st, thank God for having given us so good a mother; 2d, felicitate the Blessed Virgin on the plenitude of grace with which she was born: 3d. form a resolution to imitate the virtues of the infant Mary.

4. What is the feast of the Presentation V

It is the day on which Mary, at the age of three years, presented herself in the temple and offered up herself to the Lord.

5. By whom was this feast established?

It was established uy the churches of the east, and celebrated with great pomp from an early period. It passed into France after the Crusades, about the middle of the fourteenth century.

6. How must we consider the Blessed Virgin in her feasts and in her whole life?

We must consider her as the model of all Chris tians, but especially of Christian women. As daughter, spouse, mother, widow, and ever virgin, Mary offers to women a perfect model in every position ol life. It is by imitating the Blessed Virgin that they will enjoy that respect and happiness which religion ia destined to procure them.*

7. What effects are produced by the veneration of the Blessed Virgin?

It fills the soul with meekness, purity, and confidence; it has an influence in sanctifying public morals, and inspires and ennobles the arts.