Mary, under the title of the Immaculate Conception, was named the patroness of the United States by the bishops of our country in the mid-1800s. That was unquestionably a providential action, especially in light of our present cultural and political situation.
The word immaculate signifies purity; the word conception designates creatureliness. Mary is rightly called “the Immaculate Conception” because she was sinless (i.e., totally pure), and also because she was perfectly humble. She knew she was a creature and not God. At the Annunciation she said, “I am the handmaid of the Lord;” in her Magnificat she said, in effect, “I am God’s lowly servant.”
Why is this so relevant for us in the United States in the year 2022?
It’s because two of our biggest cultural problems right now are impurity and playing God!
The impurity should be obvious to anyone who turns on a TV set or a radio for even a few minutes. As for “playing God,” the current attempt by many at surgically changing boys into girls and girls into boys certainly falls into that category — a category which also includes such technological niceties as in vitro fertilization and embryonic stem cell research. Remember that technology plus morality equals blessings for the human race; whereas technology plus immorality equals “playing God” — and, ultimately, leads to chaos. Unfortunately, at the present time, the second is far more prevalent in our country and world.
Which is why we desperately need the prayers of the Blessed Mother under this title of the Immaculate Conception — prayers that we will convert our hearts and follow her example of purity and total submission to the Lord.
O Immaculate Conception, conceived without original sin, pure of heart and always obedient to God’s word, pray for us and pray for our nation. Amen.
