The Immaculate Conception

The Immaculate Conception

of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The dogma of the Immaculate Conception was solemnly declared by Blessed Pope Pius IX in the Year of Our Lord 1854, but the feast itself appeared in the East as early as the eighth century, and in the West by the eleventh, with particular devotion in England and Normandy, though the feast was not universally received due to ongoing theological debate. Even such wise and prominent saints as Peter Damian, Bonaventure, Albert the Great, and most famously Thomas Aquinas, struggled with the reasoning. But devotion continued to spread, particularly thanks to the theological work of Blessed John Duns Scotus, and in 1830 the visions of St. Catherine Labouré and the resulting Miraculous Medal helped ignite a fervor for Marian devotion that culminated in the 1854 papal bull Ineffabilis Deus, which declared 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.” Just four years later, Our Lady demonstrated her loving approval by appearing to St. Bernadette Soubirous and declaring “I am the Immaculate Conception”. Under this title, the Blessed Mother is patroness, among other places, of the United States of America.

Traditional Roman Martyrology for December 8th

THE Immaculate Conception of the glorious and ever Virgin Mary, Mother of God. On this day Pius IX solemnly declared her to have been preserved by a special privilege of God free from the stain of original sin.

At Eome, blessed Eutychian, pope, who with his own hands buried in various places three hundred and forty-two martyrs. Under the emperor Numerian he became their companion, being crowned with martyrdom and buried in the
cemetery of Callistus.

At Alexandria, in the time of Decius, St. Macarius, martyr, whose constancy in professing the faith increased with the efforts made by the judge to persuade him to deny Christ. He was finally condemned to be burned alive.

At Treves, St. Eucharius, disciple of the blessed apostle Peter, and first bishop of that city.

In Cyprus, the holy bishop Sophronius, who was a devoted protector of orphans and widows, and a friend to the poor and the oppressed.

In the monastery of Luxeuil, St. Komaricus, abbot, who left the highest station at the court of king Theodobert, renounced the world, and surpassed others in the observance of monastic discipline.

At Constantinople, St. Patapius, solitary, renowned for virtues and miracles.

At Verona, the ordination of St. Zeno, bishop.

℣. And elsewhere many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.

℟. Thanks be to God.