Celebration of the Immaculate Conception and the 170th Anniversary of the Dogma's Proclamation by Pope Pius IX
In 2024, because December 8 falls on a Sunday, the Church will celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on Monday, December 9.
Program for Sunday, December 8
- 10:00 AM: International Mass at the Basilica of St. Pius X, presided over by Bishop Mgr. Micas, followed by a procession to the Grotto for the Angelus and floral tribute to the Immaculate Conception.
- 3:30 PM: Rosary at the Grotto
- 5:00 PM: Evening Praise
- 9:00 PM: Marian Torchlight Procession
The Dogma of the Immaculate Conception
The Dogma of the Immaculate Conception, solemnly proclaimed on December 8, 1854, by Pope Pius IX in the Apostolic Constitution Ineffabilis Deus, affirms that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was preserved from original sin from the very moment of her conception. The text of the Constitution declares:
“We declare, pronounce, and define that the doctrine which holds that the Blessed Virgin Mary, from the first moment of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege of Almighty God, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the human race, was preserved free from all stain of original sin, is a doctrine revealed by God and must therefore be firmly and constantly believed by all the faithful.”
This dogma highlights Mary's unique role in God’s plan of salvation. She was chosen to be the mother of the Savior and was granted a special grace that kept her free from sin, in anticipation of the merits of Jesus Christ.
Lourdes and the Immaculate Conception
Four years after the proclamation of the dogma, in 1858, the Marian apparitions in Lourdes confirmed the mystery of the Immaculate Conception. On March 25 of that year, during her sixteenth apparition, Mary revealed her name to the young Bernadette Soubirous at the Grotto of Massabielle:
“I am the Immaculate Conception.”
These words, spoken by Mary herself, provided divine confirmation of the dogma proclaimed just a few years earlier by Pope Pius IX.
From the beginning, Mary was chosen for her unique mission: to carry the Savior of the world within her. The celebration of the Immaculate Conception invites us to reflect on this exceptional grace and to contemplate God’s immense love in preparing Mary to fulfill her role as the Mother of God.
Since the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD, Mary has been recognized as Theotokos, meaning “Mother of God,” an appellation emphasizing the inseparable bond between Mary and her Son, Jesus Christ. By honoring Mary through this beautiful feast, we also celebrate the mission of salvation accomplished by Jesus.
Novena to the Immaculate Conception
From November 30 to December 8, 2024
Holy Virgin Mary, under your guidance, Bernadette entered into a relationship with the Holy Trinity through the Sign of the Cross. By teaching her prayer and penance for sinners, you communicated the joy of salvation to her. You revealed the beauty of your pure heart by saying to her, “I am the Immaculate Conception.”
With Bernadette, we turn to you with confidence in your maternal intercession. Receive the intentions of our hearts during this novena (especially for...)
Our Lady of Lourdes, we pray especially for our own conversion and for the conversion of all sinners. Watch over all those who suffer in body or soul. In the hope that Life will triumph over death, we join you in singing, even now, the glory of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
Daily Prayers:
- 1 Our Father
- 10 Hail Marys
- 1 Glory Be
Confession and Holy Communion are particularly recommended during the novena.
