Feast of the Immaculate Conception

Happy Feast Day!

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is a Marian Feast Day, in which we honor the Blessed Virgin Mary and remember that she was conceived without the stain of original sin. This means that, from the first moment of her existence, Mary was set apart by God because she was to be the Mother of Our Savior. Because she was fully human just like all of us, she is the perfect model of womanhood for all of us, and understands all of our trials, joys, and sorrows.

You can click on the following link to view a great video showing how Pope Benedict XVI and all of Rome are celebrating the Immaculate Conception today – the Italians really know how to throw a party!

http://www.catholic.org/video/?v=1887

And here is a beautiful prayer spoken by Pope John Paul II on December 8th, 2003:

Queen of peace, pray for us! Our gaze is directed toward you in great fear, to you do we turn with ever-more insistent faith in these times marked by many uncertainties and fears for the present and future of our planet.

Together we lift our confident and sorrowful petition to you, the first fruit of humanity redeemed by Christ, finally freed from the slavery of evil and sin: hear the cry of the pain of victims of war and so many forms of violence that bloody the earth. Clear away the darkness of sorrow and worry, of hate and vengeance. Open up our minds and hearts to faith and forgiveness!

Mother of mercy and hope: Help every human being of every race and culture to find and embrace Jesus, who came to earth in the mystery of Christmas to give us ‘His’ peace.

Mary, Queen of peace, give us Christ, true peace in the world!