The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary is the infallibly defined dogma of the Catholic Church that “God freely chose Mary from all eternity to be the Mother of his Son. In order to carry out her mission she herself was conceived immaculate. This means that, thanks to the grace of God and in anticipation of the merits of Jesus Christ, Mary was preserved from original sin from the first instant of her conception” (Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church). Chosen by God to be the Mother of the Savior and the “New Eve,” Mary Immaculate is a type of the Church and the perfect model of holiness for all Christians. Mary under this title is the patroness of the United States of America, and the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is a Holy Day of Obligation.
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For more information about the Catholic understanding of Mary’s Immaculate Conception, please visit our article Catechesis 101 | Mary: Why do Catholics think Mary was immaculately conceived (and without sin)?
Mary was immaculate, and remote from all stain of sin.”
Saint Ephrem the Syrian (d. 373 A.D.)
A great sign appeared in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head.”
Revelation 12:1
… in the first instance of her conception, by a singular privilege and grace granted by God, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the human race, was preserved from all stain of original sin.”
Pope Pius IX, Ineffabilis Deus
O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee.
Be not afraid! And may the peace of Christ be with you and your loved ones today and always. Holy Family, pray for us. Amen.
