December 8, 2023: Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Mary

When humans disobeyed God and turned from Him, God sought to restore us to a right relationship with Himself, and bestowed abundant graces on us.

When the angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would bear the Son of God, his greeting indicated that she was full of grace.

Like with her, as the first disciple, all of us disciples of Christ receive an abundant share of God's grace, because He chose us to be part of His plan of salvation, to work in us something marvelous.

And when we like Mary, say "Yes" to God's plan in our lives, we truly magnify Him.

This marvelous plan continues to unfold today as we take our part by faith.

The wonderful reality we celebrate today is so marvelously enshrined at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.  For the past 10 years, I have found it a meaningful place to enter into a spirit of prayer, especially through the various chapels of Mary.  It is a place to behold how God makes Himself present to us today, including through the intercession of the Patroness Saint of the United States, the Blessed Virgin Mary, of the Immaculate Conception.