Pray for Peace in Troubled Areas: For peace in regions affected by conflict and violence, that they may find reconciliation and healing.
MEDITATION
The essential points to remember as defined by this Catholic Dogma of immaculate conception we shared yesterday clarify the False Beliefs some people have about what the Immaculate Conception means:
False 1. Mary, like Jesus, also had a ‘virginal’ birth
By Sacred Tradition, we know that Mary’s biological parents were Saint Joachim and Saint Anne, and it is through their humanly union that she was conceived. Mary was not conceived ‘by the power of the Holy Spirit,’ as only her Son Jesus Christ was formed in the womb by such manner.
False 2. Mary had sinned during her life
In the Canticle of Mary (The Magnificat. This prayer of Our Lady herself is one that I know by heart with so much love), she proclaimed, “My spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” (Luke 1:47). Other sects mistakenly conclude that her words ‘my Savior’ indicated that she, like any person, was also a sinner, because only a sinner would need a Savior.
The truth is that it was never possible that Mary had sinned in any way because the fullness of Mary’s redemption by the merits of the Cross of Jesus Christ spared her from the original sin of man, and saved from all sin, at the instant of her conception. In fact, as stated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 508),
“Full of grace,” Mary is the “most excellent fruit of redemption” (SC 103)
False 3. Mary received the grace only upon the visit of the Angel
When Archangel Gabriel said to Mary, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with thee!” (Luke 1:28), he actually implied the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin. Though you’ll find the recent translations of the New Testament as saying, “Hail, favored one!” the original translation where the phrase came from was the Greek word “kecharitomene,” which is the perfect passive participle of “charitoo” that means “to fill or endow with grace.” Because it is in the perfect tense, it clearly reveals that Mary was granted the grace in the past, but its effect continues in the present. Mary had always been in the state sanctifying grace, starting in her Immaculate Conception in the past, up to that present moment in the Annunciation.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
I Confess to You
I confess to almighty God, and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have sinned through my own fault, in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done, and in what I have failed to do; through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault; Therfore I ask blessed Mary, ever virgin, all the angels and saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God. Amen.
Come Holy Spirit
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.
O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, Through Christ Our Lord, Amen.
The Lord's Prayer
Our Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen
Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Immaculate Conception prayer
O God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, didst prepare a worthy dwelling place for thy Son, we beseech thee that, as by the foreseen death of this, thy Son, thou didst preserve her from all stain, so too thou wouldst permit us, purified through her intercession, to come unto thee. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ, thy Son, who livest and reignest with thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen.
Day 4 - Novena to Immaculate conception
O most pure Virgin Mary conceived without sin, from the very first instant, you were entirely immaculate. O glorious Mary full of grace, you are the mother of my God – the Queen of Angels and of men. I humbly venerate you as the chosen mother of my Savior, Jesus Christ. The Prince of Peace and the Lord of Lords chose you for the singular grace and honor of being His beloved mother. By the power of His Cross, He preserved you from all sin. Therefore, by His power and love, I have hope and bold confidence in your prayers for my holiness and salvation. I pray that your prayers will bring me to imitate your holiness and submission to Jesus and the Divine Will. Queen of Heaven, I beg you to beg my Savior to grant me these requests…
(Mention your intentions)
My holy Mother, I know that you were obedient to the will of God. In making this petition, I know that God’s will is more perfect than mine. So, grant that I may receive God’s grace with humility as you did.
As my final request, I ask that you pray for me to increase in faith in our risen Lord; I ask that you pray for me to increase in hope in our risen Lord; I ask that you pray for me to increase in love for the risen Jesus!
Hail Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
Immaculate Peace: A Prayer for Troubled Region
Immaculate Conception, dispel the false beliefs that cloud the hearts and minds of those perpetuating conflict. Guide them towards the path of reconciliation and mutual respect. Grant wisdom and courage to leaders and peacemakers working tirelessly to bring an end to hostility. Strengthen the resolve of all who strive for peace, empowering them to sow seeds of harmony amidst chaos and division. May the purity of your Immaculate Conception inspire us to seek peace, sow love, and heal wounds, just as you, our Mother, continue to guide us closer to the heart of your Son, Jesus Christ. Immaculate Mother, wrap these troubled regions in your mantle of grace, protecting them from further harm and instilling in them a longing for peace. May Your love transform hearts of stone into hearts of compassion and understanding. We entrust these intentions to Your immaculate heart, imploring Your powerful intercession before the throne of God. Through Your grace, may these troubled areas find solace, reconciliation, and lasting peace. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
*Pray the Litany of the Immaculate Conception