| Definition: Immaculate Conception |
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The doctrine that expresses the Catholic Church's belief in Mary, the Blessed
Mother's sinlessness. To be worthy to bear God's son, the doctrine recognizes
that Mary had to be perfect—so God must have created her that way—without
sin.
When Mary was conceived by Joachim and Anne, she was already free of Original
Sin—a freedom Christians gain through Baptism. Mary could be conceived
without sin because Jesus was coming to save everyone; Mary—as Mother of God—
simply had access to that saving grace sooner. God's immunization of Mary from
Original Sin does not mean that she did not have free will to choose whether or
not to sin. She did. Instead, she chose to always say yes to God.
Like all of the Church's doctrines about Mary, the Immaculate Conception points to Jesus. He truly was God's son, thus Mary was conceived in a sinless state to prepare for his coming. |
Source:
Youth Update Glossary
St. Anthony Messenger Press, 2002
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