The dogma of the Immaculate Conception has its roots in ancient Christian tradition. By the late 7th century, monks in Palestinian monasteries began celebrating the feast of the Conception of Our Lady. This devotion gradually spread, becoming known as the Feast of the Immaculate Conception in Italy by the 9th century, England in the 11th century, and France in the 12th century. Pope Leo VI promoted its celebration, and Pope Sixtus IV later recognized it as an official Feast. In 1854, Pope Pius IX solemnly declared the Immaculate Conception a dogma of the Catholic Faith. This profound mystery was affirmed in 1858, when the Virgin Mary appeared to Bernadette Soubirous at Lourdes and identified herself with the words, “I am the Immaculate Conception.”
The apparitions at Lourdes, particularly during the sixteenth apparition on March 25, 1858, offered divine confirmation of the dogma proclaimed four years earlier. Mary’s self-revelation in the Grotto of Massabielle highlighted the extraordinary grace she received from God, setting her apart to fulfill her unique mission as the Mother of the Savior.
From the very beginning, Mary was chosen for this singular role: to bear the Son of God in her womb. The Feast of the Immaculate Conception invites us to meditate on this exceptional gift and the depth of God’s love in granting Mary the purity and grace necessary to fully embrace her mission as the Mother of God.
Since the Council of Ephesus in 431, Mary has been venerated as Theotokos, or “God-bearer,” a title that emphasizes her profound connection to her Son, Jesus Christ. By honoring Mary through this feast, we also celebrate the redemptive mission of Christ, who came to save the world.
Out of the 94 missions and proposed missions in our eparchy, we hold a unique distinction in relation to this dogma. We are the chosen mission called to celebrate and observe the profound mystery of the Immaculate Conception.
The novena prayer
Blessed Virgin Mary, at your school, Bernadette entered into a relationship with the Holy Trinity through the sign of the Cross.
By teaching her prayer and penance for sinners, you conveyed to her the joy of salvation.
You revealed to her the beauty of your pure heart when you said, “I am the Immaculate Conception”.
With Bernadette, we turn to you trusting completely in your maternal intercession.
Accept the intentions of our hearts in this novena of prayer (especially for…)
Our Lady of Lourdes,
We pray to you especially for our own conversion and that of all sinners.
Also, watch over all those who suffer in body or soul.
In the hope that Life will triumph over death, from this moment and for ever more, we want to sing with you the glory of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen!
Every day: 1 Our Father, 10 Hail Marys,
1 Glory be to the Father.
Please pray for all those who have died recently:
Agnes Baby Varghese (80) Thomas Mani (87), George Kakkassery (75) Thomas Chummar (81) P V Varghese Punnackapadavil (88) Marykutty Mathew (76)