Immaculate Conception, Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, painted 1665-1670
"But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba! Father!' So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God" (Galatians 4:4-7 ESV).
"And a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. She was pregnant and was crying out in birth pains and the agony of giving birth... She gave birth to a male child, one who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron, but her child was caught up to God and to his throne..." (Revelation 12:1-2.5a ESV).
"We declare, pronounce, and define that the doctrine which holds that the most Blessed Virgin Mary, in the first instance 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, is a doctrine revealed by God and therefore to be believed firmly and constantly by all the faithful." (Pope Pius IX Ineffabilis Deus, 1854).
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Veni Sancte Spiritus, veni per Mariam
I love this feast and always have. That is marks the third anniversary of beginning employment - make that furthering of vocation - at a parish of the same name is pure gift.
ReplyDeleteThis feast has great meaning for me. I attribute this solemnity directly to the reason that my Annie is home with us.
ReplyDeleteIt was 2 years ago that I was greatly struggling with the decision about adopting her and the special needs she had. It was Mary's yes, that became my yes, and I now see how great God's grace is. I can hardly believe that i actually had those fears as I received so much more greater than I could have ever expected. A miracle was worked in my heart, and I attribute it to the love of our Mother who knows me better than I know myself.
What a great anniversary for you both! Our Blessed Mother truly looks out for children, which we are by the grace of God.
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