The History of September 12
The Feast of the Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary has roots in the 15th century, when the Franciscans began celebrating it in Spain. Pope Innocent XI extended it to the universal Church in 1684 — one year after the miraculous victory at the Battle of Vienna on September 12, 1683.
On that day, an outnumbered Polish-led Christian coalition under King John III Sobieski defeated the Ottoman army that had besieged Vienna for two months. Sobieski had prayed the Rosary before battle and placed his forces under the protection of Our Lady. The victory was so decisive and so unexpected that Pope Innocent XI attributed it to Mary's intercession.
Pope Pius X restored the feast to the universal calendar in 1913. It was removed in the 1969 reform and restored again by Pope John Paul II in 2002, who had a profound devotion to the name of Mary — his papal motto was Totus Tuus ("Totally Yours"), a phrase of consecration to Our Lady.
The name of Mary in Christian tradition is far more than a label. It is a title, a prayer and a promise. Saints have testified that the name of Mary spoken in faith has power against evil, comfort in suffering and strength in temptation. Saint Bernard of Clairvaux wrote extensively on the sweetness and power of her name.
What Does the Name Mary Mean?
The name Mary — Hebrew Miriam — has been given several meanings by scholars and saints throughout the centuries:
Star of the Sea (Stella Maris) — the interpretation popularised by Saint Jerome and celebrated by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, who wrote: "If the winds of temptation arise, if you are driven upon the rocks of tribulation, look to the star, call on Mary."
Exalted One / Beloved — from the Hebrew root mry, suggesting elevation and dignity.
Lady or Mistress — a title of sovereignty, fitting for the Queen of Heaven.
In Catholic tradition, simply saying "Mary" with faith and love is itself a prayer. Many saints recommended calling on her name in moments of temptation, fear or suffering — not as a formula, but as a cry to a mother.
🙏 The Holy Name of Mary Novena Prayer
O Most Holy Virgin Mary, whose glorious name was given to thee in Heaven by the Most Holy Trinity and proclaimed on earth by holy Church, we venerate thy most holy name.
Mary — Star of the Sea, guide us. Mary — Mother of God, intercede for us. Mary — Queen of Heaven, reign over our hearts.
We invoke thy most holy name in our necessity:
Mention your intention here — speak it simply and with faith. Our Lady hears.
Thy name, O Mary, is sweetness to those who invoke it, strength to those who are weak, comfort to those who suffer. In the name of Mary, the demons tremble. In the name of Mary, the sick find hope. In the name of Mary, the sinner returns to God.
Teach us, O Lady, to love thy name as the saints loved it — as a prayer, a refuge and a song. And bring us at the last to thy Son, in whose name alone is salvation.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. 🙏
9-Day Novena Schedule
Begin on September 3 and pray once each day for nine days, finishing on the feast day, September 12.
September 12 begins the most Marian season of the year — leading directly into October, the Month of the Rosary, and the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary on October 7.