Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
In the early days of Advent, the Church celebrates the patronal feast for the United States: the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. Our country has been dedicated to Mary over the years and the Basilica here in Washington, DC, has been built in honor of Mary and her Immaculate Conception. During Advent, we are all called to take a closer look at ourselves, reflecting on where we have not lived up to our commitment to put God first in our lives, and many of us make resolutions in the hope that we can refocus our thoughts and lives back to Jesus as we prepare to celebrate his birth. Here in DC, our #1 theme is “SAY YES.” When people come to our doors or our many and varied programs, we want the first response to always be "yes." We say "no" only when we have to. Where did that come from? It comes from a peasant girl in Nazareth who, when visited by the Archangel Gabriel, and hearing of a miraculous gift that will come forth through her womb, simply said, “I am the maid servant of the Lord, let it be done to me as you say.” That was Mary’s fiat, and her "let it be" to God. She is the perfect example of what we are all called to do. Our commitment to service and our desire to help all who come our way is embodied in that one word. "Yes" we can help, and we will do all we can to meet your needs with our assistance. During these next three weeks of Advent, let Mary’s "yes", exemplify who we are and what we are about. Throughout the country, we at Catholic Charities simply say, “yes.” Fr. John Enzler is President and CEO of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington. |
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