The Feast of the Immaculate Conception: Each Year a New Way to honor Our Lady

Reflecting back over the past two years the Feast of the Immaculate Conception has been a highlight. Each year the Feast carries a new joy and a new way to honor Our Lady.

Tonight as the sun sets and evening has moved in thoughts of the beautiful memories gathered over the past two years come to mind.

Last year the Children's Rosary participated in a wonderful Colombian Tradition: the Day of the Little Candles.  For weeks lanterns were hand made with the help of the children and on the eve of the Feast they were set out with candles lit.  The lanterns had windows created in the image of Our Lady.  More pictures and reflections from the night can be read here.

Last year on December 8th brought the consecration of two new Children's Rosary groups. Each was consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary.  One of the new groups met at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Waterbury, CT.  Perfectly named for the Feast!  After the Rosary the children made cupcakes and spelled out Our Lady's name: Mary. Reflections from their first meeting can be seen here.

Two years ago there was another gift given to Our Lady on her Feast this one from a child.  It was a picture drawn of Our Lady and it was given to Our Lady at Church before prayers of the Rosary and Holy Mass.  The picture you will recognize.  It has now become the symbol of the Children's Rosary.  

With all these gifts one thing is for certain, Our Lady will not be out done in generosity.  Any thing we give with love is warmly received and so much beauty is returned.  Last year 2 Children's Rosary groups met on the weekend of the Immaculate Conception this year 20 groups met on the four days surrounding the Feast.