“She is the flower of the field from whom bloomed the precious lily of the valley.
Through her birth the nature inherited from our first parents is changed.””
—Saint Augustine
Today, 8th day of September we celebrate the feast of the birthday of our blessed mother Mary. It might come as a surprise to many, however, that during the time of Mary, as in any other Mediterranean societies of ancient times, the birth of a girl is a non-event inasmuch as the birth of a boy is a call for a big feast and celebration. Thus, it would not be farfetched to say that Mary never celebrated her own birthday during her lifetime. Besides, there is no such thing as a yearly celebration of one’s birthday during Mary’s time.
As the story of our salvation goes, however, Mary was chosen by God to be the bearer of God’s Son into the world. God chose, of all the people, a poor, unknown and humble handmaid notwithstanding the domination of kings, powerful rulers, mighty warriors, wise judges, rich and influential people during her lifetime. Because of bearing God into the world, she was, indeed, “full of grace” and “blessed among all women/men.” God’s election of Mary which brought forth the savior in the world will be a cause of joy for all generations. This is the primary reason why we are celebrating today her birthday. This celebration is not so much about herself but about all the wonders and bountiful graces that God has done to her. Mary herself would proclaim this in her song of Magnificat,
From this day all generations will call me blessed,
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUCPXzk3vjQ