Feast of the Immaculate Conception

Today December 8, the Church celebrates the feast of the Immaculate Conception. On this day, we recognize that Mary was conceived free from original sin. She is unique in all humanity and received this extraordinary privilege because she was chosen to be the mother of Jesus, and at the very moment of her conception, she was given the gift of salvation.

This feast day occurs in the liturgical season of Advent, which prepares for the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Immaculate Conception refers to the conception of Mary in the womb of her mother, St. Anne.

In 1858 Mary spoke to St. Bernadette at Lourdes stating, "I am the Immaculate Conception."

Our Church holds Mary up as a model for all humanity in her holiness and purity and in her willingness to accept God's plan for her life.
"Let it be done unto me according to thy Word". Give us the strength to make this response when God calls us in our own lives.