Articles of Faith | Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The doctrine of the Immaculate Conception is the doctrine that the Virgin Mary was conceived without original sin, that twist in our nature that makes our will tend not to follow what it knows to be right. It was this grace that enabled Mary to give a true and considered “Yes” to the request, conveyed by the Angel Gabriel, that she should consent to be the mother of the incarnate God. The doctrine of the Immaculate Conception was almost universally believed over the centuries but was only formally defined as a doctrine of the Church by Pope Pius IX in 1854.

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Peace be with you!

Divine Office | O Virgin, by whose blessing all nature is blessed!

In today's Office of Readings we encounter a reading from a sermon by St Anselm, bishop (1033-1109). Anselm was born in Aosta, in northern Italy, and became a monk of Bec in Normandy, where he taught theology and devoted himself to the spiritual life. After some years as abbot, he succeeded his master Lanfranc as archbishop of Canterbury. His bitter disputes with the kings of England over the independence of the Church resulted in his twice being exiled. He died at Canterbury on 21 April 1109. He is remembered for his theological learning and writings, and for organising and reforming church life in England. For a reflection, "O Virgin, by whose blessing all nature is blessed!," please click on the image. Peace be with you!

Divine Office | O Virgin, by whose blessing all nature is blessed!

In today's Office of Readings we encounter a reading from a sermon by St Anselm, bishop (1033-1109). Anselm was born in Aosta, in northern Italy, and became a monk of Bec in Normandy, where he taught theology and devoted himself to the spiritual life. After some years as abbot, he succeeded his master Lanfranc as archbishop of Canterbury. His bitter disputes with the kings of England over the independence of the Church resulted in his twice being exiled. He died at Canterbury on 21 April 1109. He is remembered for his theological learning and writings, and for organising and reforming church life in England. For a reflection, "O Virgin, by whose blessing all nature is blessed!," please click on the image. Peace be with you!