1st January - Mary, Holy Mother of God
Mary, having merited to give flesh to the divine Word, and thus supply the price of our redemption, that we might be delivered from eternal death; therefore she is more powerful than all others to help us to gain eternal life - Saint Augustine.
O God, who through the fruitful virginity of Blessed 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, God, for ever and ever. Amen.