IMMACULATE CONCEPTION DECEMBER 9, 2024.pptx

What is Immaculate Conception and the Teachings of the Catholic Church?

1. WELCOME

2. The Solemnity of the Feast of Immaculate Conception December 9, 2024

3. PRAYER TO IMMACULATE CONCEPTION O most pure Virgin Mary, Mother of God, you were preserved from all stain of sin from the very moment of your conception, by the singular grace of God. We humbly thank you for your constant intercession and implore you to guide us to a life of purity and holiness. By your immaculate heart, help us to remain steadfast in faith, to grow in love for God, and to live as witnesses of His grace to the world around us. Through your intercession, may we be kept from sin, and be granted the grace to follow Christ more closely each day. O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. Amen.

4. Learning Objectives Define the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception and understand its significance in Catholic theology. Explain the biblical, historical, and theological foundations of the doctrine. Discuss the role of the Immaculate Conception in Mary’s unique position in salvation history. Identify the Church's response to controversies surrounding the doctrine before its formal declaration as a dogma. Reflect on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and its relevance in Catholic devotion. Immaculate Conception

5. Catholic Teachings on the Immaculate Conception: Dogma of the Immaculate Conception (1854): The dogma of the Immaculate Conception was formally declared by Pope Pius IX on December 8, 1854 , through the papal bull Ineffabilis Deus . The dogma states: “The most Blessed Virgin Mary, at the first instant of her conception, by the singular grace and privilege of Almighty God, and in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, was preserved from all stain of original sin.” The Immaculate Conception is a central doctrine in Catholic theology, and it has a rich theological and historical development within the Church. Original Sin and Its Effects: According to Catholic doctrine, original sin is the fallen state of human nature inherited from Adam and Eve. Catholics believe that all human beings are born with original sin, which is washed away through the sacrament of Baptism . The dogma of the Immaculate Conception teaches that Mary, from the very moment of her conception in her mother, Saint Anne , was preserved from this original sin. This special grace was granted to Mary not due to her own merits, but by God's free will in anticipation of the role she would play as the mother of the Savior, Jesus Christ. Purpose of the Immaculate Conception: The Church teaches that this unique grace was necessary for Mary to be a pure and holy vessel for the incarnation of the Son of God. In Catholic thought, for Mary to bear Jesus, the sinless Son of God, she herself must be free from sin. Her purity enables her to fulfill this role. It also highlights the idea that God can redeem and preserve from sin in a special manner, even before the coming of Jesus Christ. The grace given to Mary is seen as preemptive, foreshadowing Christ’s redemption for all humanity.

6. Biblical Basis: While the phrase "Immaculate Conception" does not appear in the Bible, Catholics believe certain passages point to Mary's sinless state: Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium, the first announcement of the Gospel, where God says to the serpent: "I will put enmity between you and the woman“ Luke 1:28 - "Hail, full of grace“ Emphasize the idea that Mary was uniquely graced from the beginning. Revelation 12 : The vision of the woman clothed with the sun, who is pursued by the dragon, is often interpreted as symbolizing Mary’s triumph over evil and her unique role in salvation.

7. Significance of the Immaculate Conception Role in Salvation History: Mary as the "New Eve" whose obedience contrasts with Eve's disobedience. Prevenient Grace: The grace that preserved Mary from sin, anticipated in Christ’s future redemption. Role of Mary in Catholic Devotion: Mary as the model of perfect discipleship and purity.

8. Historical Development Early Christian Tradition: Mary’s purity and role as the "New Eve.“ Medieval Debates: Theological disputes between the Dominicans and the Franciscans , particularly the role of Duns Scotus . The Papal Definition in 1854 by Pope Pius IX in the document Ineffabilis Deus . 4th-5th century: Early references to Mary’s purity (Church Fathers). 13th century: Duns Scotus and the rise of the Immaculate Conception theory. 1854: Definition of the dogma.

9. CONCLUSION The Immaculate Conception is a profound teaching in the Catholic Church that underscores both God’s grace and the importance of Mary in the salvation of humanity. Its dogmatic definition in 1854 marked the culmination of centuries of theological reflection and development. The doctrine celebrates the extraordinary grace that God bestowed on Mary, preserving her from sin so she could fulfill her unique role as the Mother of God. This teaching is deeply connected to the larger Catholic understanding of the role of grace, redemption, and the sanctity of the human person. IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

10. FINAL PRAYER FOR IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

11. THANK YOU! MARY CONCEIVED WITHOUT SIN… PRAY FOR US…