The Feast of the Immaculate Conception

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception, a Roman Catholic holy day of obligation on December 8, celebrates the solemn belief in the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is subject to a lot of misconceptions. Many Catholics wrongfully think the day celebrates the conception of Christ in the womb of Mary. Although the fact that the feast occurs only 17 days before Christmas, the celebrated day of Christ’s birth, should make the error obvious.

In this context, the word “immaculate,” refers to the belief that Jesus’ mother, Mary, was conceived without original sin, according to Christian belief. On December 8 we celebrate the wondrous moment when the Blessed Virgin began her existence in this world; Mary alone was preserved at the very first moment of conception from the stain of original sin.

Here are a few parishes in the Will County area that are holding Mass in honor of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception:

• Holy Cross Church 830 Elizabeth St., Joliet – 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. on December 8.

• St Mary Nativity Church 706 N. Broadway St. Joliet – 8:30 a.m., 4 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. (Polish) on December 8.

• Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, 127 S. Briggs St., Joliet – 4 p.m.; also 7:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. on December 8, For information, call 815-722-7653.

• St. Mary Immaculate Parish, 15629 S. Rt. 59, Plainfield – 7:30 a.m. (church), 8:45 a.m. (school Mass), noon (English at church), 5:30 p.m. (Polish at church) 7 p.m. (Spanish, Cana) and 7 p.m. (English at church) on December 8.

• St. Jude Church, 241 W 2nd Ave, New Lenox – 9:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. on December 8.