(1854) — “The most Blessed Virgin Mary was, from the first moment of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege of almighty God and by virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, Saviour of the human race, preserved immune from all stain of original sin” (Pope Blessed Pius IX, Ineffabilis Deus). The Immaculate Conception was a teaching implicit in Scripture and promoted by theologians like Saints Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, and Ambrose in the early Church. It was formally defined by Pope Blessed Pius IX to inspire others to a deeper devotion to the Blessed Virgin at a particular moment in history.

We are all saved by Jesus. His own mother was in a unique and miraculous manner. We are powerless; He is all-powerful. How have you acknowledged this truth and turned your will and your life over to His care?

“From among the descendants of Eve, God chose the Virgin Mary to be the mother of his Son. ‘Full of grace’, Mary is ‘the most excellent fruit of redemption’ (Sacrosanctum Concilium 103): from the first instant of her conception, she was totally preserved from the stain of original sin and she remained pure from all personal sin throughout her life” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 508).

Reflection by Brad Farmer