The Immaculate Conception is celebrated on December 8th. It's easy to confuse this feast day with the celebration of the conception of Jesus in Mary's womb, which falls nine months prior to Christmas (on March 25th). The Immaculate Conception is a holy day of obligation, which recognizes Mary's conception. From the time Mary was in the womb of her mother, Saint Anne, she was preserved from all sins to prepare her to bear God's Son. Join us in celebrating this holy day with one simple way to celebrate listed below.
Attend mass
As mentioned above, this is a holy day of obligation. Check your church's mass schedule and make it a point to attend mass on this day. Bring your children if you can, too!
Photo by Hannah Hoggatt
Make a rosary accordion box
Make a beautiful accordion box to store your rosary! This special box is full of the rosary mystery and prayers, which you can reference back to when you pray the rosary. Not only is this a creative activity to make for yourself, but it also serves as a thoughtful gift for a friend or family member. This box also serves as a reminder to pray the rosary regularly!
Supplies needed:
- Download the Rosary booklet template here
- 3.5x2" jewelry gift box or cardboard box
- Computer paper
- Glue or tape
- Scissors
- Washi tape, paint and brushes or magazine clippings (use to decorate the box)
Instructions:
- Cut the printer paper into 2-inch by 11.5-inch strips. Fold and score, accordion-style, to create eight “pages.”
- Cut out rosary mystery and prayer pages from the template and glue them onto the accordion pages. (Alternatively, write them out by hand). Glue the ends of the strip, prayers facing up, into the insides of the jewelry gift box.
- Decorate the outside of the box with washi tape, paint, or collage items.
- Store a rosary inside the box
Photo by Hannah Hoggatt
Make a Mary pillow
This project is fun for littles! Allow your child to draw and decorate a Mary pillow. This is a special pillow that can be kept for years to come, and serve as a special reminder of our mother Mary and her love!
Supplies needed:
- White fabric or iron on paper
- Fabric markers
- Fabric scissors
- Thread
- Needle
- Stuffing
Instructions:
- Draw (or have your child draw) a picture of Mary with fabric markers onto fabric. Lay it face up on another piece of fabric, and cut out the picture of Mary.
- Place the bottom layer of fabric on top, so that the drawing is inside, then sew around the edges to make a little pillow, leaving a two-inch gap.
- Turn right-side out with the image showing, fill with stuffing, and sew the gap closed.
Clean your home
It was in the walls of Mary’s house that the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and declared her to be full of grace. Clean something in your house that you have been neglecting, and meditate on Mary’s pure heart.
However you celebrate this holy day of obligation, be sure to snap, post and tag us on Instagram @beaheartdesign so we can feature on our page!
Photo by Hannah Hoggatt
Looking for inspiration on how to celebrate the liturgical seasons and feast days?
Living The Seasons: Simple Ways To Celebrate The Beauty Of Your Faith Throughout The Year is a full-color guide to creatively celebrate our faith. Each page is filled with beautiful inspiration with effortless directions to celebrate feast days, holy days and seasons within the Church. This will be your resource for living liturgically! Now available to order on our website.
