The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception: Dec. 8th 

As a kid, I used to think that today’s feast day referred to Jesus’ conception, but as I got older and started listening more to the homilies at Mass, I learned that the Immaculate Conception actually refers to when the Blessed Virgin Mary was conceived without original sin. It totally makes sense if you think about it. Mary was the first tabernacle (house) for Christ when he was in her womb, and in order to hold He who was sinless and pure love, then she too must be sinless. Today, we celebrate how God loved Mary so much that he saved her from original sin because he knew she would say “yes” to being the mother of his son, and “yes” to being a part of his divine plan for salvation. 

Celebrating Through Food: 

For breakfast, you can make Bacon Quiche Crescent Cups using this recipe from “Immaculate Baking Company” (How awesome is this name for today, right?). Or, you can make “Babycakes” using this recipe from the Food Network.

Celebrating Through Doing:

Try doing one or more of these ideas/activities with your family. 

• Attend Mass today
• Donate diapers, wipes, formula, etc. to a pregnancy resource center in honor of Mary, to help mothers and babies in need
• Say a Divine Mercy Chaplet or a rosary for the protection of the unborn
• Start wearing a Miraculous Medal and have it blessed

Pray:

Say this special prayer I wrote together as a family.

Mary, dear mother, so full of grace, whose immaculate conception we celebrate today, pray that my family and I may grow in faith and grace, and like you, be willing instruments of the Father’s will. Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, patron of the United States, and holiest of Mothers, pray for us. Amen.

Words for Reflection:

Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Pure and lowly, humble and holy, delight in the Father’s eyes. For the son she was chosen, the world waited frozen, as from her lips came her reply. “Yes” was her answer; no better word was spoken, for death was now to be broken, by the son she would bear and raise. Sing, let your heart ring, with praise for his mother, dear Mary, who’s full of grace.

Happy Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception! May you and your family have a blessed day celebrating our amazing Spiritual Mother!