PATRONAL FEAST DAY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

The feast of the Conception of Mary by St. Anne has been celebrated in the Eastern Church on December 9 since the 7th century. This feast spread over southern Italy to England and France and Pius IV established the official feast of Conception of the Immaculate Virgin Mary in 1476. Pope Clement XI established this Solemnity for the entire Church in 1708.

The declaration of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception in 1854 (Pius IX) further contributed to the importance of this celebration.

Mary obtained an extraordinary privilege from Almighty God and was preserved from any stain of Original Sin (bulla Ineffabilis Deus).

Her Immaculate Conception is the most beautiful fruit of the work of redemption accomplished by her Son, Jesus Christ. Chosen to be the Mother of the Savior, God did not allow sin to contaminate her, which makes her a model of holiness of life for all Christians.

The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated as the patronal feast day of the United States of America, Spain, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Since December 8 falls on a Sunday this year and Sundays in Advent have precedence, the Feast of Immaculate Conception is transferred and it will be celebrated on Monday, December 9.

Holy Masses at Ss. Cyrils: Monday at 9AM and 12PM.

Although it is not a holy day of obligation this year, the faithful are encouraged to attend holy mass and thus celebrate the patronal feast of this country.