MARY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION - PATRONNESS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA...........

In the Divine Plan for the Reconciliation with, and Redemption of, Humankind God the Father chose to provide the ideal instrument to send the Co-Eternal Son as, "The Word Made Flesh", thus requiring the cooperation of a pure human woman.  God made Mary of Nazareth,immaculately conceived in the womb of her mother, St. Anne, the sinless vessel to become the Christ-bearer, the Mother of God.  Today as Catholic-Chjristians we honor and venerate the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, as a Holyday of Obligation.  One of the two sensus fidelium of early Christians, the faith belief held by the people, that Mary, as the Mother of God's Son Jesus Christ, had to be free from sin herself for the holiness to bear and bring to birth, the Redeemer of the People of God; the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception, that the Blessed Virgin Mary was conceived free from the stain of sin and pure, is one of chief teachings and beliefs of our Faith.  We who are American Catholics, also celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, December 8th, as our National Feast Day, as the United States of America is consecretated under the patronage of  the Immaculate Conception of Mary.  The National Shrine of the USA, in Washington, D.C., is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, as well.  Most Catholic parishes have morning and evening Masses on this Holyday of Obligation.  In addition to OLOL's 8 a.m. Mass, we will also have a 7 p.m. Mass...........  May the Advent Grace of the Blessed Mother's Immaculate Conception Bring You Peace,   Fr.  Troy