Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

"No sin would touch her, so that she would be afitting and worthy vessel of the Son of God. The Immaculate Conception does not refer to the virginal conception and the birth of Christ, but rather to Mary's being conceived without inheriting Original Sin." (United States Catholic Catechism for Adults, 142-143)

The Immaculate Conception means that Mary was conceived without original sin or its stain—that’s what “immaculate” means: without stain. Mary was preserved from these defects by God’s grace; from the first instant of her existence she was in the state of sanctifying grace and was free from the corrupt nature original sin brings.

As Christians, we believe that one day we will all be raised in a glorious form - caught up and rendered immaculate to spend eternity with Jesus. As the first person to say “yes” to the good news of Jesus, Mary exemplifies the hope of the blessings we will all one day be given.

Please join us on this special Feast Day to pray for the intercession of Mary, Immaculate!