On Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Pray to Mary for National Unity
Painting by Roberta White, BVM
On Dec. 8, 1868, co-founder of the BVM congregation, the Rev. Terence J. Donaghoe, had the happiness of celebrating Mass the first time the feast of the Immaculate Conception was a holy day of obligation in the United States.
It was his last Mass and he died less than a month later.
Since he was a seminarian in France, he had great devotion to Mary under this title even before the dogma was declared. Father Donaghoe cultivated this devotion among BVMs, and we renew our vows on this feast until today.
His close friend, Archbishop John Hughes, shared the devotion, and it was he who proposed at the Sixth Council of Baltimore that the Immaculate Conception be declared the patron of the United States. It was unanimously approved in 1847 and BVMs celebrated, as we have ever since.
Has the United States ever needed a strong patron more? Seldom have we Americans been so divided.
Let us pray to our loving mother to bring us together, to let us see through the fog of ignorance and deliberate deception that makes our fellow citizens appear as enemies.
Let us pray for the rise of clear-headed leaders who will understand the complex issues we face and advocate sensible solutions.
Let us pray for an end of violence in action, speech, and ideology among our fellow citizens. Let us pray to Mary Immaculate for unity, liberty, and justice for all Americans. Amen.
Thank you, Mary. My mother and father, all of their children had and have great devotion to Mary, the Mother of God. Here in Ecuador, we pray daily for our mother country USA, for good leaders and for peace among us. We offer that prayer to Mary.
Mary, thank you for the historical background. context is such a helpful thing. Happy Feast Day all.
Roberta, that is a lovely picture!
Thank you Mary for the BVM background for our feast today, and your prayers for our country in great need of love and compassion.
Thank you for a prayer that encompasses our many needs for serious issues.
This beautiful painting reflects the tenderness of Our Lady and her role in the life of her son, which is mirrored in our hearts! Thank you for this wonderful background about your day of renewing your vows – an auspicious day of blessing to the world. “O Mary of Graces, hear our prayers for America, May God’s will be done!”
As a historian, I love this reflection! Thank you Mary for sharing with us.
Thank you, Mary, for your perceptive and insightful prayers and historical background. Much needed prayers for our times.
And Roberta, the painting is inspiring and evokes tender beauty of mother and child.
Happy remaining Advent days with peace,
Marilyn
Is there a way to purchase a print of this painting