Today is the Patronal Feast day of the United States of America and a Holyday of Obligation. Although our Gospel reading narrates the story of Jesus’ conception, today’s solemnity celebrates the Immaculate Conception of Mary, as she was conceived in her mother’s womb. Prepared by God from the very first moment of her life to receive Jesus Christ, God’s grace preserved Mary from sin from the womb to the end of her life, because of her role in the mystery of salvation as the mother of God. Today’s solemnity praises God for the hope and possibility that Mary embodies, as we turn to our Blessed Mother to learn from the first and most important relationship Jesus Christ experienced among us. We celebrate Mary’s Immaculate Conception, that is, her total freedom from original sin from the moment of her conception. This freedom from the sin of Adam and Eve is shown in today’s Gospel. In Mary’s response to the angel, she shows her willingness to place herself fully in God’s hands, even when it promises to be difficult and requires great faith and trust. Holyday of Obligation