The Immaculate Conception of Mary is a Holy Day of Obligation. December 8 falls on a Monday in 2025, but it is still a day of obligation. The Immaculate Conception does not fall under the “obligation is removed if it falls on a Saturday or Monday” rule. This day can only be “bumped” by a Sunday of Advent. The Immaculate Conception is considered the patronal feast of the United States.
There are few feasts as misunderstood as the Immaculate Conception. I am not talking about the theological mystery of being conceived without original sin. I mean that most people think this day honors the conception of Jesus in his mother, Mary. Celebrating the feast so near to Christmas doesn’t help, nor does today’s gospel, the account of the angel Gabriel coming to Mary to tell her she will conceive a son.
The Immaculate Conception commemorates the conception of Mary in her mother, Anne. We celebrate Mary’s birth on September 8 and her conception nine months before, December 8. (Jesus’ conception is the Feast of the Annunciation, March 25, nine months before December 25.)
A Marian feast so close to Christmas does work. We are getting ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Mary was the chosen vessel for that birth and as such was free from sin from the moment of her conception. The birth was made possible because she answered “Yes” to God. Mary said to the angel Gabriel, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”
It is probable that an angel will not visit us to reveal God’s plan for our lives. How can we become aware of God’s plan, and how can we take Mary as our model and answer our own “Yes” to God?