The dogma of the Immaculate Conception
Pius IX defined the Immaculate Conception in 1854: Mary was preserved from original sin from the first instant of her conception by a singular grace of God, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ. This mystery concerns Mary’s conception.
Mary preserved from original sin
But from this common calamity God willed to exempt that blessed Virgin whom he had destined to be the Mother of the Second Adam, Jesus Christ, who was to repair the harm done by the First. Let us see, then, how fitting it was to God, and to all three Divine Persons, that this Virgin should be preserved from original sin. We shall see that it was fitting to the Father to preserve her as his Daughter; to the Son, as his Mother; to the Holy Spirit, as his Spouse.
Contemplate with Mary
Ah most sweet, most lovable, immaculate Mary, you who are so beautiful in the eyes of your Lord, ah, do not disdain to look with your merciful eyes upon the wounds, so loathsome, of my soul. Look upon me, and have compassion on me, and heal me.
Pray with the saints
Then, O my Queen, I shall never be able to be your true child, if I am not humble; but do you not see that my sins, after having made me ungrateful to my Lord, have made me proud as well? O my Mother, do you provide the remedy; by the merits of your humility obtain for me to be humble, and so to become your child. Amen.
St. Alphonsus de Liguori · The Glories of Mary · On the Humility of MaryLet love become an act
Pray the act of consecration to Jesus through Mary, asking her help to avoid sin.
Entrust yourself to the ImmaculataKeep the celebration
- December 8, 2026Solemnity
- December 8, 2027Solemnity
- December 8, 2028Solemnity
Dates shown follow the United States Roman Calendar for 2026–2028. A celebration can be transferred, omitted, or observed with a different rank because of precedence. Open the day for its principal liturgy and permitted choices.