Since December 8th is the 2nd Sunday of Advent this year, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is transferred to Monday, December 9th, and is a HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION. Yes, Monday is a Holy Day of Obligation. Masses at St. James will be at 7:00 AM, 8:30 AM, and 5:30 PM. Mary, the Immaculate Conception, is the Patroness of the United States of America. Join us as we ask for her intercession for ourselves and our nation. I will see y’all there!
This great feast celebrates Mary being conceived without original sin in the womb of her mother, Anne. By a singular grace, God preserved Mary, who is the new Eve, from original sin. In other words, God made Mary in the womb of her mother Anne just like He made Eve at the beginning of creation. Mary did not experience concupiscence or any disorder of the soul. All her faculties (intellect and will) and senses were in proper order and relationship. In the Garden, Eve, experiencing the same state of soul and body as Mary, was given a choice to say Yes to God or to say No. Eve said, “No.” Mary, at the Annunciation with the same state of soul and body as Eve in the Garden at the time of the great temptation which brought about original sin, said, “Yes, God. Let it be done according to your will and plan.” These two women had to be on the same playing field to undergo the test.
There are many ways to demonstrate the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Ark of the Covenant, Theotokos, etc…. We could speak of Lourdes when Mary introduced herself to Bernadette as the Immaculate Conception. The Miraculous Medal apparitions to St. Catherine Laboure can be highlighted, “O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.”
Our Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) will renew their vows on this day in the presence of Bishop Parkes. Please pray for them and celebrate with them on this special day!
BLESSED ADVENT!
As Advent continues, be assured of my prayers for you and your family. I hope that you take some time to be quiet and enter into the great anticipation of the coming of the Lord. Let’s all take some time to prepare our hearts and our homes for this celebration of Christmas. Our souls need to be ready to welcome Jesus whenever, however, wherever He comes to us! Pray that you can see Him when He comes! Look for Him in every face, every situation, every conversation, every encounter, every moment. May we recognize Him and welcome Him with open arms, heart, ears, and mind.
St. James the Less, pray for us
May you and your families know the abundant love of God this Advent Season!
~ Fr. Daniel Firmin