Mary concieved without sin pray for us who have recourse to Thee!
On December 8th, Roman Catholics observe the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. Many people understand that the term "Immaculate Conception" refers to the moment when Jesus was concieved miraculously in Mary's womb. This is incorrect. The Immaculate Conception, in fact, is Our Lady. Since Mary's birthday is celebrated on September 8, we celebrate the anniversary of her Immaculate Conception on December 8. The doctrine teaches that Mary was concieved in the normal way, but preserved from the stain of Original Sin from the moment she was concieved. Under the title of the Immaculate Conception, she is the patroness of the United States. We need her intercession now more than ever!
In a nutshell, the Church teaches that
"the most Blessed Virgin Mary, in the first instance of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege granted by Almighty God, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the human race, was preserved free from all stain of original sin." (See Ineffabilis Deus by Pope Pius IX)
If you are Roman Catholic in the United States, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception is a holy day of obligation, which means Catholics are required to attend Mass. If you're not sure what times Mass will be celebrated in your area, check out http://www.masstimes.org or check your local parish's website.
For more, you can read Ineffabilis Deus, and visit http://www.catholicculture.org/lit/calendar/day.cfm?date=2006-12-08 or http://www.catholicculture.org/lit/calendar/day.cfm?date=2006-12-08
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