Theological controversy surrounded the Feast of the Immaculate Conception for centuries. This popular holiday celebration dates back from the eighth century. The argument related to the meaning of the word “immaculate”, which in this context refers to the belief that Jesus’ mother Mary was conceived without original sin, according to Christian belief.
Many theologians throughout Christian history, including St Thomas Aquinas, questioned the Immaculate Conception. It remained open for debate for many years until Pope Pius IX proclaimed it to be an essential dogma in the Catholic Church on December 8, 1854. The written document on this is known as the "Ineffabilis Deus". Since then, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception celebrates the belief that Mary was born without sin and that God chose her to be Jesus’ mother.
Today's Gospel according to Luke 1: 26-38
The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus.
He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his Kingdom there will be no end.” But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” And the angel said to her in reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.” Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.
Let's pray a Rosary in honor of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Her feast day is today, December 8th.
After the Mass, the Rosary is the most powerful prayer. When you pray to Mary; the most powerful Saint and Intercessor, your prayers will never go unheard. At times you may not get what you pray for, it could be that what you pray for, it may not be good for you and that Our Lord may have something even better for you in store. Many mysteries come with the faith, but prayers always get answers, today we need to pray more than ever. The world needs our prayers.
Always add an extra decade when you pray the rosary for the souls of purgatory. This was suggested by Our Lady of Lourdes when She appeared to St. Bernadette as the Immaculate Conception.
