June 1st
The Virgin Mary, greeted the Angel as “full of grace”, became at that moment, the “Mother of Grace”. She was at the same time, mother of the one mediator Jesus and mother of the author of Grace and the dispenser of Grace. “Mother of Grace” is the most ancient title with which the Augustinian Order venerated the Most Blessed Virgin Mary. The General Chapter of 1284 prescribed the daily singing of the “Benedicta Tu” in honor of Our Lady of Grace. Also the antiphon “Ave Regina Caelorum”, originating in the 13th century, is in honor of Our Lady of Grace. At an Augustinian meeting in 1377 the Chapter decreed the daily recitation of the verse “Mary, Mother of Grace”. The Augustinian Family has traditionally celebrated this feast on June 1st.