The Feast of the Immaculate Conception teaches us that “from the first moment of her conception” the Blessed Mother was “preserved immune from all stain of original sin.” God granted her this state of grace so that she could give birth to Jesus. Though officially declared doctrine by Pope Pius IX in 1854, its roots go back to Church writings from the fourth century. Many Church Fathers, including Irenaeus and Cyril of Jerusalem, contributed to the theology of Mary as the New Eve. The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is location in Washington, DC. It is the largest Catholic church in North America and houses 82 Marian side chapels in addition to other religious devotionals.

“And the angel came in unto her, and said, hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.” -Luke 1:28

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Pilgrimage Sites in the United States

• — Mobile, AL

• — Denver, CO

• , Blessed Michael McGivney Center for Renewal — Waterbury, CT

• — Washington, DC

• — Jacksonville, FL

• — Peoria, IL

• — Fort Wayne, IN

• — Wichita, KS

• — Lake Charles, LA

• — Natchitoches, LA

• — Conception, MO

• — Norfolk, VA