More thoughts on the Immaculate Conception

 

Today, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception.   In 1854, Pope Pius IX declared the dogma of the Immaculate Conception:   The Most Holy Virgin Mary was, in the very first moment of her conception, by a unique gift of grace and privilege of Almighty God and in view of the merits of Jesus Christ the Redeemer of mankind, preserved free from all stain of original sin. (Ineffabilis Deus, Apostolic Constitution of Pope Pius IX on the Immaculate Conception)   Thus, the Church teaches that the Blessed Mother was redeemed by her Son, just as we are, but by a Divine anticipation of the merits of the Word-made-flesh. Like Eve before her, she was not subject to the Fall and thus to the prince of this world. However, unlike Eve, she would never surrender that freedom which God’s grace provided her.

We encourage you to read our special page dedicated to the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, where we answer questions such as: How do we know Mary was immaculately conceived? Is the Immaculate Conception in the Bible? Why did God choose Mary? How are the Immaculate Conception, Lourdes, and St. Bernadette related? On the page, we also offer a free eBook, The Immaculate Conception Novena, to help you reflect more deeply on the Blessed Virgin Mary’s obedient heart to God’s Will and her unique role as Mother of our Savior.  We pray this page and eBook will help you grow in devotion to our Blessed Mother, who always points us to her Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ.    In Christ,   Your EWTN Family