Patron Saint of the United States

Today we celebrate the Immaculate Conception of Mary – Patron Saint of the United States of America.

God chose Mary the Immaculate to be “a model of holiness.”  At Mary’s conception, a new way of being human happens, and we are “chosen, destined” to share it. 

Imagine the setting: a pure, virginal young woman is presented with a choice from God. Will she obey, or will she choose her own way? In the pristine beauty of the Garden of Eden, Eve chose to disobey God, and with her choice, sin entered the world. In Nazareth, Mary chose to obey. With her “yes” to God, she became the new Eve and began the undoing of Eve’s disobedience, ushering in God’s grace and redemption. Her yes reversed Eve’s no.

On Marian Feast Days, we should renew our:

Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Holy Mary, my Mother, I give myself totally to you as your possession and property.  Please make of me, of that I am and have, whatever most pleases you.  Let me be a fit instrument in your immaculate and merciful hands for bringing the greatest possible glory to God.  With you, O immaculate Mother – you who always does the will of God – I unite myself to the perfect consecration of Jesus as He offers himself in the Spirit to the Father for the life of the world.  Amen

On the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Catholic tradition is to put out the nativity display today without the baby Jesus.  In this way, we join with Mary in the anticipation of the birth of Jesus during this season of Advent.

Although today is not a Holy Day of Obligation and going to Mass is not required, we should make an effort to get to Mass.  

Be sure to wear your Miraculous Medal and/or scapula today (as you should every day).

And be sure to say the Holy Rosary today.