Mary, Mother of God.

'When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.' ~John 19:26-27

John the apostle and evangelist is said to have lived in Ephesus in modern day Turkey with Mary, Jesus' mother living with him as he took direct responsibility over her, caring for her as her own son until her passing in obedience to Jesus' dying wish.

It is in this same city of Ephesus, some centuries later, that the whole Church assembled as represented by her Bishops, in the year 431 AD and relying on her teaching authority, the Church declared Mary the 'Theotokus' - Mother of God.

From the time of that event which came to be known as the Council Of Ephesus till now the church has continually taught and celebrated this dogma.

Today, the world celebrates a new year but more importantly, the Universal Church commemorates and celebrates the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God as she does every January 1st. And she invites all peoples to reflect on and appreciate the role of Mary in the work of our glorious salvation in Christ Jesus.

Happy celebrations.