Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, the teaching of the Church that Mary was conceived naturally but without original sin, therefore making her a fitting mother for Christ as she lived her life perfectly without sin. Whilst held and understood in tradition for centuries, it was until 1854 that it was formally dogmatised by Pope Pius XI.

We are invited today to reflect on Mary as an example for us in our own lives. In our Gospel we hear the Annunciation to Mary by the angel Gabriel. Mary in giving her yes didn't know what the future would hold for her, in giving her yes she was offering her whole life to God in faith and in trust. We are asked to do the same in our own lives, to have the faith and trust of Mary, to seek to rely not simply on ourselves but on God and on his grace, to know daily his closeness to us and his guiding hand in our lives.

Mary, Queen of Heaven, pray for us.

Image credit: Marian statue from St Mary's Chapel, New Abbey.