THE FEAST OF NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
In her visions, Anne Catherine Emmerich described receiving insight into what had been revealed to Saint Bridget concerning the conception and birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary. According to these accounts, the Blessed Virgin encouraged expectant mothers to prepare spiritually for the Feast of her Nativity through prayer, fasting where appropriate, and the reverent recitation of nine Ave Marias in honor of the nine months she dwelt in the womb of Saint Anne. The devotion was described as an expression of trust and confidence in God’s providence. Those who practiced it were encouraged to unite their prayers with participation in the Sacraments and with sincere faith. In the vision, Mary is portrayed as presenting such prayers before God and interceding on behalf of those who sought her maternal assistance. Anne Catherine Emmerich further recounted a symbolic vision associated with this feast day. She described the Blessed Virgin speaking of prayers offered with love and devot...