My reflection today:
“Today’s solemnity of the conception of Mary falls nine months before the celebration of her birth, on September 8. Mary’s conception day became a feast in the seventh century. The church teaches that Mary was free from sin from the moment she was conceived. This special grace prepared her to be the mother of God. Mary did not earn this freedom in anyway. It was simply a gift bestowed by God.” – Companion to the Calendar
Here is the opening prayer at today’s Mass:
”Let us pray: Oh God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin prepared a worthy dwelling for your Son, grant, we pray, that, as you preserved her from every stain by the virtue of the death of your Son, which you forsaw, so, through her intercession, we, too, may be cleansed and admitted to your presence.”