Today is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Mary and a holy day of obligation. From the moment of her conception, by a singular grace of God granted in view of the merits of Christ, Mary’s soul was protected from original sin. Because of this, the Mother of God was “full of grace” from the moment of her conception. It didn’t become a dogma of the Catholic Church until 1854, but Sacred Tradition traces it to the very beginning of the Church: St. Justin Martyr was credited with calling Mary the New Eve, and St. Hippolytus called her the tabernacle of Christ, exempt from defilement and corruption.
CHALLENGE
To celebrate the Mother of our Redeemer, you have two challenges. Since today is a holy day of obligation, your first challenge is to go to Mass. Your second challenge is this: since Mary was pure, both inside and out, make or buy a white cake with white icing to celebrate this Marian feast day, and enjoy it with family or friends.
A print copy of The Saint Challenge is a great Christmas gift for a family member or friend. Buy your copy today to ensure delivery by Christmas!
