"No sin would touch her, so that she would be afitting and worthy vessel of the Son of God. The Immaculate Conception does not refer to the virginal conception and the birth of Christ, but rather to Mary's being conceived without inheriting Original Sin." (United States Catholic Catechism for Adults, 142-143)

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In today's Gospel, we hear and reflect on Mary's famous words to the angel Gabriel: "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." (Luke 2:38)

 

Pray with Pope Francis on this Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception.