Faith greatly determines our life. Pope Francis said the people have to be the people of faith. During the centuries science tried to explain all the natural and supernatural facts but sometimes it was impossible. Many scientists deny the God’s existence but they cannot explain miraculous recoveries happening around the world. Is it the God’s hand or the evil one? Let us consider a little. Among all miracles, in the God’s salvation mission at least one is inexplicable until today. I want to speak about Virgin Mary, the Mother of God and her Immaculate Conception. Further, we will discuss this problem from a Catholic Church opinion but why does it touch so many religious organizations? When is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception in 2019 and what does it mean for Catholics?
All Catholics celebrate it on December 8th annually. It is curious to emphasize the Church started to honor this day in the 8th century. It coincided the date of proclamation of the dogma. What is it? A dogma means a Catholic theory or thought that is forever true and nobody has the right to contravene it. Based on testimonies and religious researchers, Pope and cardinals solemnly declare a dogma and God’s people begin to respect it. Dogmas touch surreal things and mark God’s presence in the world.
Therefore, Pope Pius IX proclaimed the dogma of the Virgin Mary’s Immaculate Conception.
The meaning of the holiday
What does the Feast of the Immaculate Conception in 2019 mean for Americans? There are many thoughts concerning Mary’s person and Her influence on the Christian life. We are speaking here about the point of view of the Catholic Church and have to underline that Mary is the Mother of God. He chose Her and we have to respect the God’s will. That is because She was purified from sin and Her life was its testimony.
This feast is very important not only for Americans but for all Christians. The meaning of the religious holiday hides behind the word “immaculate”. The dogma affirms the Mary Virgin was born and conceived without an original sin. We perfectly know the story from the Bible about Adam and Eve and their disobedience. God expelled them from Heaven because they ate the forbidden fruit. Since then this first sin or an original sin passes on all the human beings. The Holy Sacrament of Baptism washes the child’s soul from this sin.
In our case, Mary was free from this sin, She was the purest creation in the world. No wonder – God prepared Her for the biggest task.
Could you imagine God wanted to give His Only Son Jesus Christ to an ordinary woman? I do not suppose so. From her childhood, Mary felt the God’s Providence in some way. People should know what is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception in 2019 for better understand and respect it. People always make mistakes but God is infallible. He is talking to us through the Church and everyone must hear and listen to His voice.
For every faithful person, religious holidays have a special spirit. People like celebrating birthdays and anniversaries but we sometimes forget about the spiritual life. Christian feasts turn us back to the biblical events and calm down a rapid life course. They bring us calm and balance.
The history of salvation of the world begins with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Mary accepted the God’s will that totally changed her life. She abandoned her own life plans and said Yes to God. She showed us how to become the real God’s servant.
The History
By reading the Old Testament we understand who Holy Mary was. The girl was Ann and Joakim’s only child. An old couple lived in Nazareth, a small village in Palestine. All their life, they served God and helped the poor and widows. The only problem was they did not have children. I want you to understand that that time people saw it as a curse. It meant God was punishing you for your sins and that is why you do not have progeny. Mary’ parents suffered a lot. They prayed God to give them a baby and He heard their voice. Ann got pregnant at the very old age and she gave birth to Mary Virgin.
After the baby birth, Ann and Joakim decided to sacrifice her for God’s service. The parents led the daughter to the temple in Jerusalem. She got her education there. It was a theological school for little girls who wanted to live and to be in service there. The candidates lived in the atmosphere of calm and prayers. They read Holy Scripts and did some handmade work in the temple. In all this ambiance Mary did not even realize she will bring Jesus to the world. But she totally accomplished the God’s words and became not only the Jesus Christ’s Mother but the Mother of whole Church.
In this memory, everyone should know when is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception in 2019. In the calendar, this holiday always stays on December 8th. It falls on the period of Advent when we get prepared for Christmas. Many theologians stressed on an exclusive role of Mary Virgin in the Church. A Mariology is a science in theology which explains and guides the believers into Mary’s person and Her role for Christians.
If someone does not understand or put some questions, do not get angry. Explain it to those that are hesitating what is the date of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Make them sure that Mary deserves to be honored. She is an example of purity, divinity, and holiness as the Jesus’ Mother but also as our Mother too. Mary Virgin is the biggest Protector in the heaven. Holy Mary always conveys our prayers to the God’s throne staying by His side. Mary has compassion for our problems and takes care of us. Moreover, remember her apparitions in Fatima, Lourdes and other places. She is full of goodness and she did not leave the world. There we may observe many acts of healing which science cannot explain. Mary invites us to accept His Son and God Jesus Christ. She is the only way to heaven and God.
What are the Feast of the Immaculate Conception facts and traditions?
First of all, the day is commemorated in many Catholic countries like Australia, Poland, Italy, France etc. It is interesting to know that it has a popular holiday status in Guam, a territory of the USA. Christians visit Church, they take part in messes, bring flowers for Mary. In some dioceses, priests invite the believers to a unique prayer called The Hour of Grace that takes place once a year on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Many people come to relatives and friends, try to help the poor.
In my opinion, Mary’s role cannot be underestimated. Church calls Her a Ladder to heaven, the Source of Grace, the Burning bush. Do you want to be the God’s child? So you will become Her child too. She will never leave anyone lonely and alone in the world. She adopted mankind standing under the Jesus’ cross and Mary’s love will fill every soul. You must believe that you are Her beloved son or daughter.
To respect God means to respect His mother and His Church.
Holy Mary, pray for us, sinners, today and at the end of our lives.
