In the midst of Advent, the Church celebrates the feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary on December 8. Contrary to popular confusion, this belief relates not to Jesus' conception in Mary's womb, but to Mary's own conception. The Church teaches that Mary was immaculately conceived, that is she 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 preserved immune from all stain of original sin" (Ineffabilis Deus). That is, the Church understands that whereas all people are born with the stain of original sin, Mary was preserved from original sin. This does not mean to say that she did not need God's love and mercy. Linked to the belief in the Immaculate Conception is the understanding that Mary too was in need of God's grace and redemption: she was received it from the first moment of her conception. Mary was conceived immaculately, to prepare her for her role of motherhood of Jesus, particularly whilst he was an infant in his mother's womb. The Immaculate Conception is one of the few Church teachings that is not clearly demonstrated in the Bible. Nevertheless, the teaching is reflected in Gabriel's greeting to Mary with the words "Hail Mary, full of Grace". From the second century, the Church fathers implicitly taught this belief through their contrast of Eve, mother of the sinful to Mary, mother of the sinless one.
The development of this teaching is interesting, particularly in the active role the laity took. From the seventh century, when the feast was first celebrated in the East, a grassroots movement of popular devotion to Mary's Immaculate Conception spread throughout the Church. When Pius IX declared the teaching (quoted above) binding on all Christians in 1854, he did so after he was satisfied that the belief was consistent with Catholic belief and practice worldwide. The evidence of the popularity of this devotion amongst Australian Catholics is perhaps no better seen than in the large numbers who wear the miraculous medal. On the front side of this medal are the words "O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee". Similarly, Lourdes, site of an apparition of Mary in 1858, remains a popular place of pilgrimage: rarely, for example, is there an issue of this magazine that does not contain an advertisement for a pilgrimage to Lourdes. At Lourdes, when Bernadette Soubirous asked Mary who she was, she responded by saying "I am the Immaculate Conception". Some people see this apparition is a heavenly affirmation of the Church's definition of the teaching. A number of religious orders are dedicated to Mary under this title, one of the more notable in Australia being the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, founded in France by St. Eugene de Mazenod in 1816, who have for over a century ministered to Australian Catholics through parish work, missions, schools and outreach work to the marginalised.

The Immaculate Conception is a reminder of the important role of mothers in the lives of their children, even from the first moments of their conception. We must never forget that Jesus, as an unborn baby, developed and was nourished by his mother in her womb. As the century closes, scientists are making more and more discoveries about the important relationship between a mother and her unborn child. Studies have found, for example suggested that if a mother is calm during pregnancy a newborn infant is likely to be calm, whereas if a mother is stressed and anxious, a newborn infant has more likelihood of exhibiting these traits. We should thus remember at this time all pregnant women, particularly those experiencing difficulties with their pregnancy and those who have and are undergoing trauma, particularly pregnant women in East Timor.

The proclamation of Pius IX cited above also implicitly affirms the belief that a human person exists in the womb from the first moment of conception. We should thus remember the high percentage of the unborn who are victims of abortion, particularly at this time when various groups are lobbying to make "morning after pills" and late term abortions more readily available.

-o0o-
Tota Pulchra es (Prayer in honour of the Immaculate Conception)
V. All fair are you, o Mary.
R. All fair are you, o Mary.
V. The original stain is not in you.
R. The original stain is not in you.
V. You are the glory of Jerusalem.
R. You are the joy of Israel.
V. You are the honour of our people.
R. You are the advocate of sinners.
V. O Mary.
R. O Mary.
V. Virgin most prudent.
R. Mother most clement.
V. Pray for us.
R. Intercede for us with our Lord Jesus Christ.

© Michael Daniel 2000