Mary Immaculate 

“Pure as the snow,” we say.

Ah! never a flake

Fell through the air

One-tenth as fair

As Mary’s soul was made for Christ’s dear sake.

Virgin Immaculate,

The whitest whiteness of the Alpine snows,

Beside thy stainless spirit, dusky grows.

“Pure as the stars.” Ah! never lovely night

Wore in its diadem

So pure a gem

As that which fills the ages with its light.

Virgin Immaculate,

The peerless splendors of thy soul by far

Outshine the glow of heaven’s serenest star.

                                                            -Eleanor C. Donnelly

For Reflection:

Dear Mother,

You were kept free from the stain of original sin so that the Word of God could make His abode in you. Today, on this feast which celebrates your Immaculate Conception, I ask you to obtain for me the grace I need to resist sin and to live for Christ alone. Be the mother of my soul, Mary. Nurture me in your tender heart. Take my hand and lead me to your Son. Amen.