“We declare, pronounce and define that the doctrine which asserts that the Blessed Virgin Mary, from the first moment of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege of almighty God, and in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, Saviour of the human race, was preserved free from every stain of original sin is a doctrine revealed by God and, for this reason, must be firmly and constantly believed by all the faithful.” — Pope Pius IX in the Papal Bull Ineffabilis Dei, which declared the dogma of the Immaculate Conception in 1854.
Opening Prayer for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
Let us pray,
[on this feast of Mary,
who experienced the perfection
of God’s saving power.]
Father,
the image of the Virgin
is found in the Church.
Mary had a faith that your Spirit prepared
and a love that never knew sin,
for you kept her sinless
from the moment of her conception.
Trace in our actions
the lines of her love,
in our hearts her readiness of faith.
Prepare once again a world for your Son
who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit
one God forever and ever.
Amen.
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