Tuesday, December 8th, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. This feast marks the conception of our Blessed Mother Mary in the womb of her mother Anne. When Mary was conceived, Almighty God in a singular act of grace preserved her from original sin. Another way of thinking about it is that her soul was like that of Eve – correctly ordered with the intellect and will in proper relation. There was no effect of original sin, no concupiscence. She was without sin or even the inclination to sin.
In the plan of God, she was going to be given the opportunity to be the mother of God. To prepare her to answer the call, to play the role for her, to bear God in her womb and bring Him to the world, He granted her this grace. From her, the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity would receive flesh. Therefore, her body and soul could be marred by the stain of sin. She was the perfect and pure vessel through which the Word as made flesh and dwelt among us. Mary’s “Yes” brought us salvation and her Immaculate Conception prepared her to give that answer. We celebrate the grace, the gift that God gave our Mother from the very moment of her existence in the womb of her mother, Anne.
This day is a Holy Day of Obligation. We will have masses at 7:00 AM, 8:30 AM, and 6:30 PM. See you there!
Renewal of vows
We are so blessed to have the Sister Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) at St. James! Our parish is the envy of the Diocese of Savannah because we have six women religious living in a convent at the center of our parish campus and life! The sisters in the school and in the parish are amazing! They are such an important part of our parish life!
On this Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, the sisters will renew their vows. Each year, they make the commitment again to serve the church, the people of God. They pledge to give witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ by living the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Our sisters are examples of Christian discipleship and great love as they wake early, pray, go to mass, and then serve our families and children in the classrooms and the parish. Thank you for your example and your witness, Sisters!
Many blessings upon you and your family this Advent season!
~ Fr. Daniel Firmin