Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin MARY

Luke 1:26–38

REFLECT

Particular saints or feasts can become important to us for all kinds of surprising and radically personal reasons. For me, the Immaculate Conception is one such patroness. She’s the patron saint of my home diocese and of the cathedral where I served Masses in high school. In college I made my Marian consecration on this feast. Then, when I joined the Dominicans, I was surprised to learn that she was the patroness of our seminary. But even if you don’t share my personal devotion to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, everyone in the United States should turn to her with confidence. After all, since 1846, she has been the patron saint of our country.


PRAY

O Mary, conceived without sin, hear the prayers of you sons and daughters today on this great feast. Continue to intercede for the Church in our country, that we might turn to your son with ever-growing love and devotion. Amen.


LIVE

Make a little pilgrimage today to one of the thousands of churches in the United States named in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary and say a Hail Mary.

We look forward to continuing this journey with you tomorrow.