Today, I extend my recognition to every American observing December 8, a solemn day dedicated to honoring the faith, humility, and love of Mary, the mother of Jesus, an enduring figure within the biblical narrative.
On the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Catholics commemorate what they believe to be Mary’s liberation from original sin, designating her as the mother of God. She first emerges in recorded history as a young woman in Nazareth, greeted by the Angel Gabriel with earth-shattering news: “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you,” announcing that she would conceive a son, Jesus.
In a moment transcending mere compliance, Mary embraced God’s will with profound trust and humility: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” This courageous acceptance shifted the trajectory of humanity. Nine months later, the divine entered the world through Mary’s childbirth, heralding the arrival of Jesus, who would ultimately sacrifice himself on the Cross for the redemption of sins and the salvation of humanity.
For nearly 250 years, Mary has significantly influenced the American narrative. In 1792, shortly after the Revolutionary War, Bishop John Carroll—America’s first Catholic bishop and a cousin of Declaration of Independence signer Charles Carroll—consecrated the nascent nation to the mother of Christ. Within a quarter-century, Catholics credited General Andrew Jackson’s remarkable triumph over the British at the Battle of New Orleans to Mary. Annually, a Mass of Thanksgiving is held in New Orleans on January 8 to remember her assistance in safeguarding the city.
Throughout history, American figures like Elizabeth Ann Seton, Frances Xavier Cabrini, and Fulton Sheen have dedicated their lives to glorifying God through selfless service and demonstrated deep devotion to Mary. The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the largest church in North America, stands in her honor in the heart of the nation’s capital. The cherished hymn “Ave Maria” resonates with countless citizens. Mary has inspired countless churches, hospitals, and schools, with nearly 50 American colleges and universities bearing her name. Just days away, on December 12, Catholics in the United States and Mexico will commemorate their steadfast devotion to Mary, rooted in the events of 1531 in Mexico, where the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe now stands. As we near 250 years of American independence, we express heartfelt gratitude for Mary’s role in fostering peace, hope, and love both domestically and beyond our borders.
More than a century ago, during the turmoil of World War I, Pope Benedict XV commissioned a majestic statue of Mary, Queen of Peace, holding the infant Christ and an olive branch, encouraging the faithful to emulate her example of peace through prayer for an end to the devastation. Remarkably, just months later, World War I concluded. Today, we once again turn to Mary for inspiration and encouragement, praying for an end to conflict and for a new era of peace, prosperity, and unity across Europe and the globe.
In her honor, on this day of significance for our Catholic citizens, we reflect on the sacred words that have provided solace, support, and comfort to generations of American believers in times of need:
Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
