For What It's Worth by Erin

Jesus is the reason for the season, but not without Mary! And you know why! Mary, full of grace, said a “yes” that continues to resound throughout the ages.
 
In Advent, we celebrate two Marian ( Mary) feasts, important ones, both this past week. On 12/8 we celebrated the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Think of this: Mary was created without SIN. There was a time when humanity was intrigued by this belief; sad that it isn’t better known today. Remember, as sinners, you and I should be amazed by the grace-filled gift that God has given Mary, protecting her from the taint of original sin that all humanity suffers from. Mary was spared of that. She becomes both a model and inspiration for us. Pope IX, in a Papal Bull, Ineffabilis Deus (Ineffable God), defined this belief and promulgated (put into effect) it on this day in 1854.
 
In 1858, Mary appeared 18 times in Lourdes, France. When asked who she was, she said, “I am the Immaculate Conception.” How beautiful! And 300 years earlier, Mary appeared to Juan Diego in Mexico and converted a nation. We celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe on 12/12 and remember our holy mother and the power of her faithfulness to God.
 
If this isn’t enough to celebrate, this is also Gaudete Sunday. This break from purple to pink reminds us that Jesus is near! What to do now? Be ready! From St. Paul:

Let’s use these last days of Advent well. May God bless us as we prepare to celebrate Christmas! +