Immaculate Conception!!!

A Blessed and Happy Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception to everyone. This is truly a beautiful and holy day. I even learned something today as I was making communion rounds. The Church knows how to use numbers when it comes to feast days and they always make sense. For example, the Annunciation, which we hear in the gospel today, Luke 1:26-38, is celebrated on March 25. That means, nine months later we celebrate the Nativity of our Lord. However, there is an example that is right underneath my nose and I did not even think about it. The solemnity today celebrates Mary being immaculately conceived in the womb of her mother, St. Anne, which means Mary would be born nine months later and she is on September 8, the day the Church celebrates the birth of Mary. I should have known that but guess it never registered until today. We are always learning about our faith and it does not matter how young or old we happen to be. What we learn on this solemnity is how to follow the will of God in our lives and to place our complete faith and trust in Him. Mary did that by responding to the angel's message with a resounding "YES." We need that same reaction as we live God's will in our own lives and faith. Mary, as the Immaculate Conception, is the patroness of the United States. Pray that our Blessed Mother will intercede for us and help us to alway have that same unwavering faith and trust that she models for us so well! Have a blessed day!!!