The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Patronal Feast of the United States of America

Year of Saint Joseph (December 8, 2020-December 8, 2021)

Other saints: Pope Saint Eutychian (283); Saint Budoc, Abbot (Sixth Century); Saint Romaric, Abbot (653); Saint Galgano (c. 1140-1181); Bd Narcisa de Jesus Martillo Moran (1837-1869) 

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 55:15-22

Mass: Gn 3:9-15, 20; Resp Ps 98; Eph 1:3-6, 11-12; Lk 1:26-38

Sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done marvelous things.

MARY, QUEEN CONCEIVED WITHOUT ORIGINAL SIN,

PRAY FOR US.

The hymn "Immaculate Mary" comes to mind this morning: Immaculate Mary, your praises we sing, you reign now in splendor with Jesus our King. Ave, Ave, Ave, Maria! Ave, Ave, Maria. It is helpful to turn to the words of Pope Bl Pius IX in his 1854 Encyclical Letter Ineffabilis deus for the Church's teaching on the Immaculate Conception:

The most Blessed Virgin Mary was, from the first moment of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege of almighty God and by virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, Savior of the human race, preserved immune from all stain of original sin.

On this glorious celebration, a holy day of obligation, the patronal feast of our country, and the commencement of the Year of Saint Joseph, we look to the Blessed Virgin Mary, who "by the grace of God remained free from every personal sin her whole life long" (CCC 493) to pray for us, and help us on our pilgrim journey of faith. God is patient and ever merciful. He waits for us to turn away from sin and turn towards Him. Dear Lord, may it be done to me according to your word (Lk 1:38). Remember, "nothing will be impossible for God" (Lk 1:37). 

In heaven the blessed your glory proclaim; On earth we your children invoke your fair name. Ave, Ave, Ave, Maria! Ave, Ave, Maria. We pray for our Mother, the Church upon earth, And bless, Holy Mary, the land of our birth. Ave, Ave, Ave, Maria! Ave, Ave, Maria.

The uncontaminated beauty of our Mother is incomparable, but at the same time it attracts us. Let us entrust ourselves to her and say 'no' to sin and 'yes' to Grace once and for all.

(Pope Francis, Angelus Address, December 8, 2020)

MARY, SEAT OF WISDOM,

PRAY FOR US.

© Gertrude Feick 2020