Dear friends in Christ,

We want to remind you that this Monday, December 8th, is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This is a Holy Day of Obligation, which means all Catholics are required to attend Mass on this day.

The Immaculate Conception refers to the Catholic dogma that Mary, the Mother of Jesus, was conceived without original sin. From the very first moment of her existence in her mother’s womb, Mary was preserved from the stain of original sin by a singular grace and privilege of Almighty God, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, the Savior of mankind.

This teaching does not refer to the conception of Jesus (which we celebrate at the Annunciation), but rather to Mary’s own conception. God prepared Mary to be a pure and holy vessel for His Son by granting her this unique privilege.

Pope Pius IX formally defined this dogma on December 8, 1854, though the Church had celebrated this feast for centuries before. The Immaculate Conception is the patronal feast of the United States of America.

Please remember to fulfill your obligation by attending Mass on Monday. Consider praying the Rosary or other Marian devotions to honor Our Lady on this special feast day.

May the Immaculate Virgin Mary intercede for all of us.

God bless you,
The Catholic Crusade