December 8: Feast of the Immaculate Conception

History God chose the woman who would be the mother of Christ very carefully. In fact, at the moment of her conception, God filled Mary with Grace. She was saved from the stain of sin in order to be the pure vessel by whom Christ entered the world. God confirmed this rather miraculously when a poor girl in Lourdes, France, was visited by the Blessed Mother, who revealed herself as "The Immaculate Conception." The girl - St. Bernadette Soubirous - had no idea what these words meant, but when Church authorities heard these words, they knew God was confirming Mary's Immaculate Conception.

Activity

Since 1846, Mary the Immaculate Conception has been patroness of the United States, which means today is a Holy Day of Obligation for all U.S. Catholics. Go to Mass and enjoy a special dinner - anything that your family likes best. You may also want to include a special dessert, such as cupcakes decorated with blue frosting (blue is Mary's color).

Special Note: Today is also the first day of the Year of Mercy. Every cathedral in the world will have Holy Doors for pilgrims. Start planning your pilgrimage today! 

Saint Mary, Immaculate Conception, pray for us! 

More reading for parents:

Catholic Encyclopedia
Catholic Culture
Fisheaters