Mary
in Christian Tradition
The
Immaculate Conception of Mary (December 8)
Like the Solemnity
of Mary, the Mother of God, the feast of the Immaculate Conception,
celebrated during Advent, is related to the mystery of Jesus. To fulfill
her unique role in the mission of Jesus, Mary was conceived free from
original sin through the foreseen merits of her Son.
"To
become the Mother of the Savior, Mary, 'was enriched by God with gifts
appropriate to such a role'. The angel Gabriel at the moment of the
annunciation salutes her as 'full of grace.' In fact, in order for
Mary to be able to give the free assent of her faith to the announcement
of her vocation, it was necessary that she be wholly borne by God's
grace."
(Catechism of the Catholic Church, 490)
Though Mary's
Immaculate Conception is her unique privilege, it is a sign that, even
before his birth, Christ's saving work affects generations that preceded
him. The grace of Christ present when she was conceived is an affirmation
that Christ's grace is present in past generations, as well as generations
to come.
Readings for
the feast
The readings for
the feast, then, take us back to the Book of Genesis, which recalls
the fall of humanity, as well as the promise of future salvation. (
Genesis 3,9-20) In the Epistle to the Ephesians there is a reminder
that " God chose us in (Christ) before the world began." (Ephesians1,3-6)
Finally, in the gospel reading, the angel proclaims to Mary that she
is "full of grace," gift of a Son not yet
born. (Luke 1,26-38)
"In
the event of the Immaculate Conception the Church sees projected and
anticipated in her most noble member, the saving grace of Easter."
(Pope John Paul II, Redemptoris Mater, 1)
"Through
the centuries, the Church has become ever more aware that Mary, 'full
of grace' through God, was redeemed from the moment of her conception."
(Catechism of the Catholic Church, 490)
The feast of the
Conception of Mary appeared in the Roman calendar in 1476. After the
dogmatic definition of 1854, it became the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
The
Assumption of Mary - August 15
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