Both the readings at Mass and the feasts we celebrate during Advent feature Mary prominently and draw our attention to her in a heightened way. Why does the Church do this?

In a particular way, Mary helps us contemplate the two essential aspects of Advent: Christ’s first coming at Bethlehem, and his Second Coming at the end of time. Her life made Christ’s first coming into the world possible, and the end of her earthly life points us to our ultimate destiny – sharing Christ’s resurrected life for all eternity. Mary, then, stands out as the best possible guide for us during this holy season.

Immaculate Conception (Dec. 8)

The first Marian feast in Advent is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. On this day, we celebrate that God preserved Mary from original sin from the moment of her conception. In contrast, the first reading for the feast (Gen 3:9-15, 20) recalls how we have been wounded by original sin.
The Solemnity, then, points directly to our need for a Savior, and God’s first act in bringing him to earth. By preserving her from sin, God prepared Mary to be the mother of our Savior, setting in motion his plan of salvation.
In the day’s Gospel (Lk 1:26-38), Mary’s perfect yes contrasts with the no of our first parents, inviting us to reflect on the freedom we all have to respond to God’s grace. Through our adoption by Christ, we all receive the grace to live a holy life. Therefore, following Mary’s example, we must each give our own yes to the Lord’s call to receive the inheritance prepared for us before the foundation of the world.

Our Lady of Loreto (Dec. 10)

On Dec. 10, the Church offers us another Marian feast: Our Lady of Loreto. Placed back on the liturgical calendar by Pope Francis in 2019, this day celebrates the miraculous transport of Mary’s home in Nazareth to Loreto, Italy. According to tradition, the house was transported by angels the night of Dec. 9-10 in 1294. More likely, concerned Christians moved the structure from Nazareth during the height of the Crusades to protect it from being destroyed.
This feast is important because it underscores the truth of the Incarnation. There was a specific home where Mary was, where the angel Gabriel came to her to announce the coming of Jesus, and where Jesus grew up. As we visit the homes of loved ones this holiday season, perhaps we might take a moment to pause and remember that in Christ, the Son of God not only visited his people but has truly made his home among us.
 

Our Lady of Guadalupe  (Dec. 12)

Since 1754, the Church has commemorated the apparition of the Blessed Mother to St. Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin on Tepayac Hill near Mexico City. In 1531, the Virgin Mary appeared to Juan Diego, asking that a temple (church) be built in her honor. When the bishop asked for a sign, Our Lady instructed Juan to gather Castilian roses which appeared on the hillside. Carrying the roses in his tilma, he brought them to the bishop, and there, emblazoned on his tilma was the famous image of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
What is significant is the way Mary is portrayed in this miraculous image: She is clearly a mestiza woman – a mixture of European (Spanish) and indigenous descent. This image is also one of the few in the Christian tradition where Mary is pregnant – a clear reminder of Christ’s incarnation. The overall message of the image is loud and clear: Mary is bringing into this world a Son who will be a Savior for all people.

Journey with Mary

As we come to the final week of Advent, be sure to pay close attention to the readings the Church presents to us in the liturgy. During this time we hear Luke’s Gospel about how Mary brought Christ into the world. May our journey with Mary these holy days ready our hearts to welcome her Son as he comes to us this Christmas and at the end of time.