Happy Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary! Today, Catholics around the world commemorate the inviolate conception of Mary. This is the belief that Mary, unlike every other human person born after Adam and Eve’s sin, was conceived in her mother’s womb without original sin. She gained this unique privilege in preparation for becoming the Mother of God. Pope Pius IX proclaimed this solemn belief to the Church in 1854. The Immaculate Conception is the patronal feast of the United States. (Via Saint: Becoming an Image of Christ Every Day of the Year) #Catholic #BlessedVirginMary #ThomisticInstitute #OTD #OnThisDay #HolyDay