Father Michael Englert of St. Paul Church in Kensington told those gathered in the gym for Mass on Wednesday morning that the Blessed Virgin Mary “knew her identity … it is so important we receive our identity from God.”
Father Michael was wearing the Miraculous Medal around his neck, a reminder of Mary’s grace and to pray for Mary’s intercession and help.
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception was celebrated in many parts of the world on this day. In Rome, Pope Francis celebrated the sacred day by saying that in “Mary’s humility, she knows she receives everything from God. Therefore, free of herself, she is completely directed toward God and others. Mary Immaculate does not look on herself. This is true humility: not looking on oneself, but looking toward God and others.”
Mary said yes to becoming the mother of Jesus, deepening a commitment to God that had always been there.
“Don’t follow the noise of the world,” Father Englert said. “Claim our identity … so we pray, and we pray again and again so we are always reminded, ‘O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.’”