Immaculate Conception

:This article refers to the theology of the immaculate conception of Mary, Mother of Jesus. For the story of the immaculate conception of Jesus Christ, see Virgin Birth (Christian doctrine).

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The Immaculate Conception is a Roman Catholic doctrine which asserts that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was preserved by God from the stain of original sin at the time of her own conception. Specifically the doctrine says she was not afflicted by the privation of sanctifying grace which afflicts mankind, but was instead filled with grace by God, and furthermore lived a life completely free from sin. It is commonly confused with the doctrine of the virgin birth, though the two doctrines deal with separate subjects. Mary was conceived in a "normal" way, but was acted upon by God (preserved) at the time of her conception.

Related Topics:
Roman Catholic - Doctrine - Mary, the mother of Jesus - God - Original sin - Grace - Sin - Virgin birth

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The Immaculate Conception was solemnly defined as a dogma by Pope Pius IX in his constitution Ineffabilis Deus, published December 8, 1854 (the Feast of the Immaculate Conception). From 1483, Pope Sixtus IV had left Roman Catholics free to believe that Mary was subject to original sin or not, after having introduced the celebration; this freedom had been reiterated by the Council of Trent.

Related Topics:
Defined as a dogma - Pope Pius IX - December 8 - 1854 - 1483 - Sixtus IV - Council of Trent

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The Roman Catholic Church believes the dogma is supported by scripture and by the writings of many of the Church Fathers, either directly or indirectly, and often calls Mary the Blessed Virgin (Luke 1:48). Roman Catholic theology maintains that since Jesus became incarnate of the Virgin Mary, she needed to be completely free of sin to bear the Son of God, and that Mary is "redeemed 'by the grace of Christ' but in a more perfect manner than other human beings" (Ott, Fund., Bk 3, Pt. 3, Ch. 2, §3.1.e).

Related Topics:
Church Fathers - Blessed Virgin - Luke - Incarnate - Christ

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In the Roman Catholic church, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on 8 December is generally a Holy Day of Obligation, and a public holiday in countries where Catholicism is predominant. Prior to the spread of this doctrine, 8 December was celebrated as the Conception of Mary, since 8 September is the Feast of the Nativity of Mary.

Related Topics:
8 December - Holy Day of Obligation

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