| Definition: Immaculate Conception, Feast of the |
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| Traditionally celebrated on December 8, this feast is not the commemoration of Jesus' conception (as it is sometimes thought) but of Mary's. Although Joachim and Anne are not named in the Bible, an ancient tradition holds that they were Mary's parents. We believe that Mary was conceived by her parents in the natural human way, but that she was conceived without Original Sin. We believe this is a gift God gave her in anticipation of her Son's redemption. This ancient belief was made definite for Roman Catholics by Pope Pius IX in 1854. |
Source:
Youth Update Glossary
St. Anthony Messenger Press, 2002
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