Holy Days of Obligation are part of the longstanding tradition within the Catholic Church. Thursday, December 8 is the traditional observance of the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. It is our belief as Catholics that the Virgin Mary was conceived without sin – immaculately conceived by virtue of the merits of her son, Jesus. This is universally observed nine months before her nativity on September 8. Many people confuse this feast with the “virgin birth” on December 25, the belief that Mary gave birth to Jesus while remaining a virgin. They are not the same thing.

Because it is the patronal feast of the United States, it is always held as a day of obligation. It is obligatory and commendable for us to attend Mass. Check your parish bulletins and web pages for schedules.

Thursday night begins the annual National Night of Prayer for Life when we go to Mary, the Mother of Life in prayer and receive peace and consolation of her motherly care in these trying times. This night bridges the Immaculate Conception and Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the unborn and of the Americas. We ask Our Blessed Mother to intercede with the Lord to restore a culture of life and a civilization of love in our land. www.thegoodnewsroom.org listed parishes throughout the archdiocese that will be hosting Eucharistic adoration to pray that every human life would be protected and reverenced.