December 8, 2008
The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Read

About the Blessed Virgin Mary in a special section on the Picturing Mary Web site.

Daily Readings from the New American Bible (NAB)

Pray

Prayer on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception:
Father, the image of the Virgin is found in the Church. Mary had a faith that your Spirit prepared and a love that never knew sin, for you kept her sinless from the first moment of her conception.
Trace in our actions the lines of her love, in our hearts her readiness of faith. Prepare once again a world for your Son who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.

Reflect

Reflect on the meaning of today’s solemnity and watch this video of children praying the Hail Mary in different languages.

View the Daily Reflections on today's readings brought to you by the Catholic Communication Campaign

Act

This patronal feast of the United States of America is a perfect time for all who profess the Gospel of Life to beg God to make our laws just and protective of every one of our citizens from conception until natural death. Honor the Blessed Virgin Mary by doing something to foster a culture of life for persons who are born and those yet to be born.