Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

December 7th Vigil Mass 7:00 PM (no 5:30 Mass or confessions)
December 8th Masses at 7:30 AM  & 7:00 PM

From the Catechism……On December 8^th, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which references Mary’s conception in her mother’s womb without the stain of Original Sin:  An essential part of God’s plan for the mother of his Son was that she be conceived free from Original Sin. “Through the centuries the Church became ever more aware that Mary, “full of grace” through God, was redeemed from the moment of her conception” CCC, no. 491

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The Holy Rosary Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Pope Francis’ Prayer for the Immaculate Conception

O Mary, our Immaculate Mother, your feast day I come to you, and I come not alone: I bring with me all those with whom your Son entrusted to me, in this city of Rome and in the entire world, that you may bless them and preserve them from harm.

I bring to you, Mother, children, especially those who are alone, abandoned, and for this reason are tricked and exploited. I bring to you, Mother, families, who carry forward life and society with their daily and hidden efforts; in a special way the families who struggle the most for their many internal and external problems. I bring to you, Mother, all workers, both men and women, and I entrust to you especially those who, out of need, are forced to work in an unworthy profession and those who have lost work or are unable to find it.

We are in need of your immaculate gaze, to rediscover the ability to look upon persons and things with respect and awareness, without egotistical or hypocritical interests. We are in need of your immaculate heart, to love freely, without secondary aims but seeking the good of the other, with simplicity and sincerity, renouncing masks and tricks. We are in need of your immaculate hands, to caress with tenderness. To touch the flesh of Jesus in our poor, sick, or despised brethren. To raise up those who have fallen and support those who waver. We are in need of your immaculate feet; to go toward those who know not how to make the first step. To walk on the paths of those who are lost. To find those who feel alone.

We thank you, O Mother, because in showing yourself to us. You free us of all stain of sin. You remind us that what comes first is the grace of God, the love of Jesus Christ who gave his life for us, and the strength of the Holy Spirit which renews all things.

Let us not give in to discouragement but trusting in your constant help. Let us engage ourselves fully in renewal of self, of this city and of the entire world. Pray for us, Holy Mother of God!

– Pope Francis, Act of Veneration to the Immaculate Conception at the Spanish Steps, 12/8/16 Used with Permission. © LIBRERIA EDITRICE VATICANA USCCB.org

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