Immaculate Conception

Immaculate Conception History

The Immaculate Conception commemorates the belief in the sinless conception of the Virgin Mary. It is based on the doctrine that she was preserved free from original sin from the moment of her conception in her mother's womb. The feast honors Mary's role in the incarnation of Jesus Christ and is a significant event in the Catholic liturgical calendar. It serves as an opportunity for the faithful to reflect on the virtues of purity, humility, and grace embodied by Mary as the exemplar of Christian life.

The history of the Immaculate Conception dates back to the early centuries of Christianity. It was established as a feast in the Eastern churches in the seventh century and gradually spread to the Western churches. In America, the devotion to the Immaculate Conception grew with the arrival of Catholic immigrants from Europe in the nineteenth century. In 1847, Pope Pius IX declared the Immaculate Conception the patroness of the United States. This official recognition greatly increased the significance of the feast day for American Catholics, making it an integral part of their religious and cultural identity.

The Observance of Immaculate Conception in America often includes attending Mass, saying special prayers, and participating in various religious and cultural events. The day is marked with processions, music, and festive events dedicated to the Virgin Mary. In some regions, people adorn their homes with flowers and candles to honor her purity and grace. This religious and cultural event emphasizes the importance of Mary as a model for Christian life and a symbol of hope and faith in God's grace. The feast day celebrated on December 8th each year.

Immaculate Conception facts

• God gave Mary a pure soul incapable of sinning when she was received. It prepared her to be the mother of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. This teaching does not appear in Scripture. It was decreed by Pope Pious IX on December 8, 1854.
• 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. - Catechism of the Catholic Church
• According to Catholic belief, being born without original sin did not guarantee that Mary would make decisions in favor of God's will, but she chose to accept God's challenge, making her actions more significant.
• Our Holy Lady Immaculately Conceived is the patroness for the United States - as decreed by Pope Pius IX in 1854.
• Our Mother Mary is full of beauty because she is full of grace. - Pope Francis via twitter on Dec 30, 2013.

In the News and Trending in the US for Immaculate Conception

Top things to do in the US for Immaculate Conception

• Study the Immaculate Conception in art. One famous painting, The Virgin of the Immaculate Conception
  was completed by Spanish artist Bartolome Esteban Murillo in the 17th century. It hangs in the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore, Maryland.
• Go to Mass. It is a holy day of obligation for Roman Catholic in the United States.
• Watch the movie, Mary of Nazareth (2013)
• As a symbol of purity and beauty, bring flowers to Mary's statue or image at your church. You can also offer flowers privately at home.