The Diocese of St. Cloud celebrated the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, a holy day which is celebrated on the first day of the new year, Jan, 1, every year. 

The day is a time in which the faithful reflect on the role that Mary played in bringing the savior, Jesus Christ into the world, through her cooperation with God’s plan. 

“Tomorrow, Jan. 1, is the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God," the Diocese of St. Cloud posted on Facebook. "You are invited to attend Mass on this day. The feast, however, is not a holy day of obligation this year. In 1992 the Vatican approved a decision by the U.S. bishops to lift the obligation to attend Mass on three holy days – Jan. 1 (Mary, Mother of God), Aug. 15 (Assumption) and Nov. 1 (All Saints Day) – when they fall on a Saturday or Monday. Everyone, however, is invited to attend Mass on these special feast days."

This year, the holy day was not obligatory for the faithful to attend, as it fell on a Saturday. In years when it falls on a weekday, it is required that the faithful attend this holy day. 

During his homily on the Solemnity of Mary, Pope Francis called for peace on earth as well as an end to violence carried out against women everywhere, according to CathStan.org. 

"And since mothers bestow life, and women 'keep' the world, let us all make greater efforts to promote mothers and to protect women," Pope Francis said, according to CNN. "How much violence is directed against women! Enough! To hurt a woman is to insult God, who from a woman took on our humanity.”

According to the Vatican, “In his homily on this day in 2021, Pope Francis spoke of the manger. To the people on earth, Jesus being laid in a manger as an infant symbolized God’s humility and familiarity. But Pope Francis pointed out that to Mary, who had already become pregnant under unusual circumstances, having to lay her newborn in a trough for animal food must have been deeply troubling. However, rather than complain or doubt God’s plan, Mary ‘kept all these things, pondering them in her heart.’ Pope Francis encouraged listeners to model Mary’s mature faith and begin the new year by trusting in God’s plan.”