Feast of the Immaculate Conception in Vatican City (Holy See)

Date: December 8

History and Significance: The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is a Roman Catholic celebration that honors the belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was conceived free from original sin. The doctrine was defined by Pope Pius IX on December 8, 1854, and since then, the day has been observed as a holy day of obligation, meaning Catholics are required to attend Mass.

Traditions: In Vatican City and throughout Italy, this feast day is celebrated with a public holiday and various religious observances. The Pope traditionally venerates the Blessed Virgin Mary on this day by visiting the Spanish Steps in Rome to lay a wreath and pray at the Column of the Immaculate Conception. This column bears a statue of Mary and was erected shortly after the dogma was proclaimed.

Activities:

• Catholics attend Mass at St. Peter's Basilica or other churches.
• The Pope leads a prayer service and pays homage to Mary.
• People may participate in processions or other community events honoring Mary.
• It is also a day for personal reflection on the purity and holiness attributed to Mary.

As an important day in the liturgical calendar, it brings together clergy and laypeople in shared devotion, marking an advent season that prepares them for Christmas.