Celebrating the Immaculate Conception

When we celebrate the Immaculate Conception on December 8th each year, it is a common mistake to think we are celebrating the Immaculate Conception of Jesus. At Mass on the Immaculate Conception the Gospel is always the Annunciation. Because the Archangel Gabrial appears to Mary to tell her about the child she would have, sometimes people think that is the conception which is called immaculate. But the Immaculate Conception is about the conception that prepared Mary for this moment; the time where she would choose whether or not to participate in God's plan for salvation.

In the Gospel, the angel Gabriel says, "Hail Mary full of Grace." In Greek the word used, κεχαριτωμένη, is a perfect passive participle of χαριτοω meaning "to fill or endow with grace." The tense indicates that Mary was graced from the instant she first existed in her mother's (Anne's) womb (well before Gabriel visited) and ever since. It might be best understood as her being so full of grace that sin can not enter her.

The Masses celebrating the Immaculate Conception will be at 6:20, 8:15, 12:10, 5:30 and 7 p.m. It is such a special event that it is considered a Holy Day of Obligation.

Also tonight, immediately following the 7:00 Mass will start an hour of Eucharistic Adoration as we participate in a national event, a Night of Prayer for Life. This will finish around 9 p.m. with Benediction.

Prayerfully Celebrate Independence

It's time to celebrate our nation's birthday and the many freedoms we enjoy. Safely enjoy the picnics, fireworks and other festivities. And remember God as part of the celebration.

Fortnight for Freedom events conclude with holy hours 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. today and 8 a.m. on the Fourth of July, followed by a 9 a.m. Mass.

And below are a few prayers, borrowed from Catholic Online (catholic.org).

Prayer for our Nation (U.S.A)

God our Father,

Giver of life,

we entrust the United States of America to Your loving care.

You are the rock on which this nation was founded.

You alone are the true source of our cherished rights to life,

liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Reclaim this land for Your glory and dwell among Your people.

Send Your Spirit to touch the hearts of our nation´s leaders.

Open their minds to the great worth of human life

and the responsibilities that accompany human freedom.

Remind Your people that true happiness is rooted in seeking and doing Your will.

Through the intercession of Mary Immaculate,

Patroness of our land,

grant us the courage to reject the "culture of death."

Lead us into a new millennium of life.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Prayer for Government Leaders

God of power and might, wisdom and justice, through You authority is rightly administered, laws are enacted, and judgment is decreed. Assist with Your Spirit of counsel and fortitude the president and other government leaders of these United States. May they always seek the ways of righteousness, justice and mercy. Grant that they may be enabled by Your powerful protection to lead our country with honesty and integrity. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

A Prayer, For Those in the Military

Almighty God

We stand before You in supplication,

Asking Your Divine mercy and protection,

To envelop with Your invincible armor,

Our loved ones in all branches of the service.

Give them courage and strength

Against all enemies,

Both spiritual and physical,

And hasten their safe journey,

Back to their homes and families.

If it be Your holy will

That they be gathered to Your bosom,

With the eternal vanguard of the saints,

Let their journey to Your everlasting arms

Be swift and painless,

Where they may stand in honor and glory,

Praising You for all eternity.

Amen.

Inspired by the Year of Faith, Susan Szalewski began writing weekly columns for us. Although that year is over, we liked them so well that we asked her to keep writing. Thankfully, she said yes. So watch for these on Thursdays and see the Year of Faith Blog here.