Solemnity of Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Today, December 8, is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a day which celebrates the conception of Mary in the womb of her mother, Saint Anne. It is called immaculate because Mary was conceived without original sin.

December 8 is considered one of the Holy Days of Obligation, which are feast days and Catholics will attend Mass.

On the University of San Diego campus, The Immaculata Catholic Church will reflect on the Immaculate Conception at two Masses today, at 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Immaculata Pastor Matthew D. Spahr, a 1983 USD alumnus, will preside.

Furthermore, today’s 12:15 p.m. daily Mass in Founders Chapel will touch upon the celebration of this important holy day.

Father Spahr, prior to last year's Mass, spoke about what his homily message would be tied to the Immaculate Conception celebration.

“The Immaculate Conception of Mary gives us an opportunity to see what a redeemed humanity looks like in Mary, who is conceived without sin. In her, we see our own destiny as the baptized to be those who are ‘full of grace’ and free from sin and what that looks like concretely in a human experience in her complete openness to God’s plan.”

— Ryan T. Blystone