Mary: Icon of Advent and Holiness

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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’ time we will also celebrate yet another memoria of hers, the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Now this is interesting, because Our Lady of Guadalupe is Our Lady of Life. Our Lady of Guadalupe is depicted in her icons as pregnant. Something that fits so well, during this season of expectancy.

May we all join our Lady in her pregnancy, and May Jesus, that Spotless Lamb who will be born of her womb this Christmas, be also born in our communities and in our hearts.

The Author is Parochial Vicar: St. Mary’s Parish, Kabarnet.

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