Today the Church celebrates the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. If you count nine months back from this date you find yourself at December 8 on the calendar, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. If you keep those two dates in mind, you'll always remember correctly that the Immaculate Conception refers to the conception of Mary in the womb of her mother, Anne -- not the conception of Jesus in Mary's womb.The legend is that Anne and her husband Joachim were getting old and were childless. An angel appeared to Anne to announce that she would have a child who would be the mother of all mercies.
Hail Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with you!
Blessed are you among women
and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
I
