Rev. Peter M.J. Stravinskas: Seven Considerations on the Immaculate Conception

Many Catholics misunderstand today’s feast, which is also the patronal feast of our nation (the first country to claim her under this title).  They confuse the Immaculate Conception of Mary with the virginal conception of Jesus.  But today we celebrate the fact that Mary was sinless from the very first moment of her existence – which is extremely important because it demonstrates the care with which God guided the entire process of our salvation.

It’s no sheer accident that the Church celebrates this feast at the outset of Advent. This privilege accorded to Our Lady was part of the work of salvation begun at the very moment when sin itself first entered the world.  The experience of sin and its reign in our world came about because of human weakness and pride.  Just as a woman made possible the first sin, so too a woman would make possible the work of our salvation.  Mary was God’s answer to Eve. …

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