January 1: Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (Roman Liturgy)

The Roman liturgy of January 1st invites us to experience for ourselves the intercession of Mary, Mother of God and our Mother in the order of grace.

In the 7th century:

O God who, through the blessed Mary's fertile virginity, has offered to the human race the treasures of eternal salvation, grant us, we beseech you, to experience benefits from the One who helped us receive the author of life.

(Collect of the Gregorian Sacramentary, 7th century, Gr H 82)

This 7th-century collect, with almost no transformation, is still used today:

O God, who through the fruitful virginity of Mary bestowed on the human race the grace of eternal salvation, grant, we pray, that we may experience the intercession of her, through whom we were found worthy to receive the author of life, our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

(Paul VI Missal; January 1st)