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Immaculate Conception facts for kids

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An image of the Virgin Mary. Her halo, in French writing, reads "I am the Immaculate Conception."

The Immaculate Conception is a special belief in the Catholic Church. It teaches that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was born without "original sin". This means her soul was pure from the very start of her life.

Catholics believe this because they think Jesus, who they see as God, needed a mother whose soul was completely free from sin. This teaching became official in 1854. It was announced by Pope Pius IX.

A few years later, in 1858, people said that Mary appeared in Lourdes, France. She reportedly appeared to a young girl named Bernadette. Mary told Bernadette, "I am the Immaculate Conception."

It's important to know that the Immaculate Conception is not about Jesus's birth. That event is called the Incarnation. The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is celebrated every year on December 8.

What is the Immaculate Conception?

The Immaculate Conception is a doctrine (a core teaching) of the Catholic Church. It focuses on Mary, the mother of Jesus. This teaching says that Mary was "conceived" (began to exist) in her mother's womb without "original sin".

Original sin is a Christian idea about a spiritual flaw that all humans are born with. The Church believes Mary was special. She was protected from this sin from the very first moment of her life. This was done by God's grace.

Why is this Belief Important?

The Catholic Church teaches the Immaculate Conception for a special reason. They believe that Jesus, as God's son, needed a mother who was completely pure. Her soul had to be free from any kind of sin. This belief shows how highly Mary is respected in the Catholic faith.

This teaching became an official part of Catholic belief in 1854. It was formally announced by Pope Pius IX. This means it is a truth that Catholics are asked to believe.

Not About Jesus's Birth

Many people sometimes get confused about the Immaculate Conception. They might think it refers to the birth of Jesus. However, this is not correct.

The Immaculate Conception is only about Mary's own beginning. The event of Jesus being conceived in Mary's womb is called the Incarnation. The Incarnation is the belief that God became human in Jesus.

A Special Day to Remember

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is a special day for Catholics. It is celebrated every year on December 8. This day is a holy day of obligation for Catholics. This means they are encouraged to attend church services.

It is a day to honor Mary and remember this important teaching. Many churches hold special events and prayers on this day.

The Story of Lourdes

Four years after the Immaculate Conception became official, something amazing happened. In 1858, a young girl named Bernadette lived in Lourdes, France. She claimed that Mary appeared to her many times.

During one of these appearances, Bernadette asked the lady who she was. The lady replied, "I am the Immaculate Conception." This event helped to strengthen the belief in Mary's purity. Lourdes later became a very famous place for pilgrims.

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See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Inmaculada Concepción para niños

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