Mary: Icon of Advent and Holiness
By Fr. Casmir Odundo We always celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Advent; just as we always celebrate the Solemnity of St. Joseph, her spouse, in Lent. It is something providential because the Blessed Virgin Mary is one of the great icons of Advent. While we are in Advent for just around four weeks…the Blessed Virgin Mary was in Advent for nine months. Or we can say for even more years, as she was a Jew and therefore shared together with all the Jews the hope of the coming of the Messiah! Perhaps that is why her solemnity of the Immaculate Conception fits so well during this season. Through her Immaculate Conception the Church celebrates just how God prepared her for her unique mission of being the Mother of God. And Advent is also a season of preparation…and of waiting. As we prayed today in the Preface, because of her Immaculate Conception, the Blessed Virgin Mary is the model for holiness. Also, in three to four days’