My Page
0 new
dash

Click here to check out our new control panel!
 

 

Definition: Immaculate Conception
 
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