The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is such an important feast day for us Catholics, celebrating our Lady’s purity. It is so important that it is actually a HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION.

  • Pope Pius IX proclaimed on December 8, 1854: “The most Blessed Virgin Mary was, from the first moment of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege of almighty God and by virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, Saviour of the human race, preserved immune from all stain of original sin.”
  • “Mary, a virgin not only undefiled but a virgin whom grace has made inviolate, free of every stain of sin.” – St. Ambrose
  • “If anyone does not wish to have Mary Immaculate for his Mother, he will not have Christ for his Brother.” – Saint Maximilian Kolbe

As a Catholic parent, it is important to me that I cultivate a strong relationship between my kids and our Heavenly Mother. Here are some things we do to celebrate this special feast day.

  • Go to Mass **HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION**
  • Watch the video about the Immaculate Conception at Holy Heros.
  • Coloring pages: this one from Catholic Icings is my favorite but this and this are great options as well.
  • If you can, I know this one can be tough with a bunch of littles, pray the rosary. If the whole rosary is too much try to do one decade.
  • Bake a Mary cake! Ours is made using white cake mix and white icing. White for purity.
  • Make Mary Mass bags. This is a lovely craft for kids and they can use it as their personal little mass bags.
  • Sing some Marian Hymns, below is one of my personal favorites.

 

 

Image from Theophilia

O Mary,
conceived without sin,
pray for us who have recourse to thee. 

Amen

Father, the image of the Virgin is found in the Church. Mary had a faith that Your Spirit prepared and a love that never knew sin, for You kept her sinless from the first moment of her conception. Trace in our actions the lines of her love, in our hearts her readiness of faith. Prepare once again a world for Your Son Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.

Do you have any special ways of celebrating the Immaculate Conception, comment below.