Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Happy Feast Day to all my readers, on the 160th anniversary of the solemn dogmatic definition of the Immaculate Conception by Pope Pius IX.

The Immaculate Conception, of course, was not 'invented' then; indeed it was celebrated here in England before the Norman Conquest; and has been the subject of some of the most beautiful writings of the Fathers of the Church.

I was interested to see the differences between the old Lectionary and the New for today's Feast; and they were rather suggestive. However, I have insufficient time to write about them now, so that must wait for another occasion - perhaps next year (don't hold your breath).  Or you could always go and look them up yourself!