The Immaculate
Conception refers to the preservation of the Blessed Virgin Mary from the stain
of
Original Sin from the first moment of her conception...
"The Immaculate
Conception means the Blessed Virgin's own exclusive privilege of coming into
existence, through the merits of Jesus Christ, without the stain of original
sin. It does not mean, therefore, her sinless life, perpetual virginity or the
miraculous conception of Our Divine Lord by the power of the Holy Ghost."
(Baltimore Catechism)
Note that Catholics
are required to believe in the Immaculate Conception of Mary as it is a
defined dogma of the faith. According to the Apostolic Constitution of Pope Pius
IX, Ineffabilis Deus...
"[The doctrine
of the Immaculate Conception] must be firmly and constantly held by all the
faithful. If, therefore, any shall obstinately maintain a contrary opinion to
that which We have defined (God forbid that they do so), let them fully realize
that they stand condemned by their own judgment, that they have made a shipwreck
of their faith, that they have departed from union with the Church."
The Feast of the
Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary is on December 8, which is a Holy
Day Of Obligation.
Note: The dogma of
the Immaculate Conception was defined by Pope Pius IX in the above referenced
document (Ineffabilis Deus) on 12/8/1854. To read this document, click
here.
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