Author: Michael Antaya

Today the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, one of the most commonly misunderstood feasts in the church. What exactly is the Immaculate Conception? Many people believe that it is when Mary our Blessed Mother conceived Jesus in her womb. However, that is not accurate. The Immaculate Conception is when our Blessed Mother was conceived in the womb of her mother, Good Saint Anne. Mary was conceived without the stain of original sin, or immaculate, so she could become the mother of the Savior. It is also the patronal feast day of the United States of America. Today is a very special day at Saint Anne Shrine, as we observe Saint Anne’s conception of our Mother Mary.

Happy Feast Day!!!

Please join us once again this afternoon at 4:00PM as we celebrate Solemn Evening Prayer or Vespers for the Second Sunday of Advent. As we draw closer to the Christmas season, let us pause and reflect on the graces God is bestowing upon us during this season of hope and anticipation.

St. Anne Shrine Preservation Society would like to express our deepest sympathy to the family of Mr. Paul Sardinha, a longtime parishioner of the former Saint Anne parish. Mr. Sardinha passed away tragically on Thursday evening in an automobile accident. Over the many years Mr. Sardinha and his wife, Anne Marie, faithfully served Saint Anne. He was an usher, extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, and for years served as a pall bearer during the annual solemn Way of the Cross held on Good Friday. Mr. Sardinha was also very active in the parish scouting program. May his soul and the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.

As a reminder the December Healing Mass will be celebrated THIS COMING THURSDAY DECEMBER 3 immediately preceding the Immaculate Conception Novena Service.

Tonight begins the Immaculate Conception Novena at the shrine. Services will be held daily at 6:00pm. Join us as we honor our Blessed Mother in this time of preparation.