Rev. Fr. David Okolie
Dearest friends, it is important that we note that in the Solemnity of the IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, we celebrate the Blessed Virgin Mary, not as a SUPER BEING but as a HUMBLE CREATURE in whom the GRACE of God triumphed exceedingly. Indeed, the above is the summary of the teachings of the Church on the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (i.e, unlike every other human being, the Blessed Virgin Mary was conceived without Original Sin). Please, beloved friends, is there anything IMPOSSIBLE for God to do? If he (God) can create the world with only his Word, if he could make Elizabeth conceive a child in her old age, if he could make Mary conceive without a carnal union with a man, then, do you think that it would be IMPOSSIBLE for him to preserve the Blessed Virgin also from original sin?
This dogma was defined and promulgated on December 8, 1854 in the Apostolic Constitution: โIneffabilis Deus‘ of Pope Pius IX, thus:
We declare, pronounce, and define that the doctrine which holds that the most Blessed Virgin Mary, in the first instance of her conception, by a singular GRACE and privilege granted by 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 therefore to be believed firmly and constantly by all the faithfulย (Cf. _Ineffabilis Deus_ n. 28).
Following this Apostolic Definition, the catechism teaches that:
Mary was, by sheer GRACE, conceived without SIN as the most humble of creatures, the most capable of welcoming the inexpressible gift of the Almightyย (Cf. CCC, n. 722).
Therefore, as faithful Catholics, we are expected to accept with Catholic Faith, this revealed Truth and equally explain it to others. More importantly, we should strive to lead lives that are not ruled by SIN. This calls for a frequent approach to the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession).
It will also be wonderful to attend MASS and pray the ROSARY in honour of the Solemnity.
O Mary, conceived without original sin, Pray for us who have recourse to Thee๐๐ผ
Happy Solemnity and remain blessed!
