The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
SolemnityFranciscan Media helps us to understand this feast day:
"In 1854, Pius IX solemnly proclaimed: 'The most Blessed Virgin Mary, in the first instant 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.'"
Franciscan Media also reflects:"...Mary’s Immaculate Conception enhances Jesus’ redemptive work. Other members of the human race are cleansed from original sin after birth. In Mary, Jesus’ work was so powerful as to prevent original sin at the outset."
O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee."