The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a solemn Catholic feast celebrated on Dec. 8 that honors the belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was conceived without the stain of original sin.
This dogma was officially defined in 1854 by Pope Pius IX, and the feast day is a holy day of obligation for Catholics. It is celebrated by attending Mass and reflecting on Mary’s unique holiness, which is seen as preparing her to be the vessel for Christ.
This feast takes place exactly nine months prior to the celebration of Mary’s nativity on Sept. 8.
- 7:30 a.m. with Father Michael and Deacon Scott
- 9:15 a.m. with Father Michael and Deacon Scott (and the students of St. Francis Xavier School)
- 7 p.m. Monday with Father Tony and Deacon Bob
