DOUBLE / SECOND CLASS
The dogma of the Divine Motherhood was defined by the Council of Ephesus in 431. In his encyclical proclaiming the present feast, which commemorated the 15th centenary of the council, Pope Pius XI especially requested that we pray to Mary for the return of the separated Churches of the East. For these Churches had united with the Pope and the whole Church at Ephesus in proclaiming her to be Mother of God, and to this day they retain a deep devotion to her. Mary is their Mother, also, for in becoming Mother of our Redeemer she became the spiritual mother of all men.
O God who didst will that Thy Word should take flesh, at the message of an angel, in the womb of the blessed Virgin Mary; grant unto us Thy suppliants that we who believe her to be indeed the Mother of God may be aided by her intercession with Thee.
(Collect)