Nativity of the Blessed Mother, September 8

 HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARY!  

The celebration of birthdays is loved by all of us but especially children. Today is Mary's birthday. Mary was the daughter of Sts. Joachim and Anne, the mother of Jesus and the wife of St. Joseph. It is a wonderful opportunity to teach our children a little bit about Mary while we honor her on her birthday.

Mary has many feast days and titles. Her birthday has been honored in Syria and Palestine since the 5th century. The celebration of her nativity was accepted and adopted by the Roman Catholic Church by the end of the seventh century. St. Andrew of Crete and St. John Damascene preached sermons in honor of Mary's birth. The exact date of her birth is not known for certain. It is according to Fr. Francis X. Weiser, S.J., "Not improbable that a genuine ancient tradition of the Church in Jerusalem provided the date."

What can we teach our children and grandchildren about Mary on her birthday? First, we can tell them that Mary was given a special gift by God. She was created without Original Sin so she could grow up to be the Mother of Jesus, God's Son, and our Mother, too. That special gift is called the Immaculate Conception. Mary is full of grace. She always cooperated with God's plan for her and for the salvation of the human race through her Son, Jesus, His suffering, death, and resurrection. Mary brought and still brings many graces and blessings to us through her intercession with Jesus.

 So today, let us remember Mary's birthday and thank her by celebrating it. You can make one of the treats we have here or one of your favorite family desserts. You can buy something at the store if you haven't time to bake. Blueberries have been traditionally associated with the birthday of Mary. In the archives of this blog, September 7, 2015, you will find other suggestions. Feel free to send us yours. Don't forget to sing "Happy Birthday" and ask the Blessed Virgin Mary to help you accept God's plan for you in your life. 

Blueberry Lemon Dump Cake

You can make this dessert with your favorite two year old!

Ingredients                                    Equipment

Lemon pie filling                                               9 x 13 rectangular pan

Blueberry pie filling                                           Large mixing spoon

2 sticks of unsalted butter                                   Small microwaveable bowl

1 yellow cake mix                                               Medium-size spoon

Non-stick baking spray

Directions: Preheat oven 350 F        Yield: 16 squares      

1. Spray baking pan with baking spray.

2. Dump lemon pie filling into pan. Spread filling throughout pan evenly.   

3. Dump blueberry pie filling into pan. Mix thoroughly with lemon filling.

4. Dump yellow cake mix on top of filling. Be sure pie filling is covered.

5. Melt butter. Pour melted butter over cake mix. Do not mix. Be sure that the cake mix is entirely covered with melted butter.

6. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven. Cool. Cut and enjoy.

Blueberry Muffins

INGREDIENTS                                                                    yield: 12 muffins

• 2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned into measuring cup and leveled-off
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2-1/4 cups fresh blueberries
• Non-stick baking spray

• 
  
• Directions: Preheat Oven to 375 degree F
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1. 1. Put an oven rack in the middle position. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. Spray the pan and the liners with non-stick cooking spray.
2. 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt.
3. 3. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter and granulated sugar for about 2 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl and beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla extract and almond extract. (The batter may look a little grainy -- that's okay).
4. 4. Gradually add the flour mixture, alternating with the milk, beating on low speed to combine. The batter will be very thick. Add the blueberries to the batter and fold gently with a spatula until evenly distributed. Do not overmix.
5. 5. Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin tin (an ice-cream scoop with a wire scraper works well here); they will be very full. 
6. 6. Bake for about 30 minutes, until lightly golden. Let the muffins cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edge of each muffin to free it from the pan if necessary (the blueberries can stick), then transfer the muffins to a rack to cool completely.

                                                             ENJOY!

Two children's books on Mary to read to your children. There are many lovely children's books on the Blessed Virgin Mary to introduced to your children. Here are two I like.

Tomie de Paola is one of our family's favorite authors and illustrators.

Here is another children's book on Mary. This book helps children come to know and love Mary while teaching them some of her honors and titles.

PRAYER 

THE MEMORARE

Remember, Oh most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known

that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or 

sought thy intercession was left unaided.

Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of Virgins my

Mother. To thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and 

sorrowful.

Oh, Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions,

but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.