Maiden and Mother.

(PRAYERS / HYMNS / SONGS AND DEVOTIONS TO HONOUR THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

FEASTS of the Blessed Virgin Mary are major features of both the calendar year and the Church's year, beginning with Advent. The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy promulgated by the Second Vatican Council reordered the annual cycle of celebrations to enable the faithful to share more deeply in "the whole mystery of Christ as it unfolds throughout the year.” In this process, the feasts of the Blessed Virgin Mary were to be emphasized, for she "is joined by an inseparable bond to the saving work of her Son.” This tells us that devotion to Mary is not in any way to be downplayed in the post-conciliar Church, and that devotion to the Mother of Jesus is always hon- our paid to her divine Son.