Course 4, Chapter 26: Christianity visible. — Feast of the Immaculate ception of the B. Virgin

1. What feast is celebrated the eighth of December?

On the eighth of December we celebrate the feast^ of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin. The Blessed Virgin being destined to be the mother of God, was preserved from original sin; this was due to the honor of the three persons of the Holy Trinity: to the Father, whose daughter Mary was; to the Son, whose mother she was; and to the Holy Ghost, whose spouse she was.

2. Is the Immaculate Conception an article of faith?

It is, having been solemnly denned by Pius IX, after consultation with the Bishops throughout the whole church. The definition was grounded on various passages of scripture which declare her high dignity as Mother of God, as also on ancient tradition, and the geneVal sense and persuasion of the church.

3. Is this feast of great antiquity?

It goes back beyond the twelfth century. St. Anselm, archbishop of Canterbury, contributed much to its being generally adopted; and the sovereign pontiffs have granted great indulgences to those who celebrate it worthily.

4. What do you remark on the establishment of this feast?

I remark that the church, in establishing this feast, did not acquire new light which she had not from the beginning; but she showed forth her wisdom according to the order of Providence and the wants of her children.

5. How is the feast of the Immaculate Conception calculated to sanctify us?

The feast of the Immaculate Conception sanctifies our imagination, by presenting us the image of the

purest of virgins; our mind, by teaching us that we must, as far as possible, imitate the sanctity of Mary since we are to receive in communion the same God of whom she was the mother; and our heart, by inspiring us with the resolution to preserve it from stain, or to purify it when stained with sin.

6. What must we do to celebrate this feast worthily?

We must: 1 st, thank God for having preserved the Blessed Virgin from the stain of original sin; '2d, congratulate Mary on her glorious privilege; 3d, form a resolution to avoid the slightest faults; 4th, perform some acts of mortification, or say some prayers in honor of the Blessed Virgin.