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8 December.   Immaculate conception. The women of the Sodality of the Immaculate Conception obviously had a great devotion to Mary, conceived without sin by the special grace of God, as she was to be the mother of God’s Son.  They aimed to model their lives on Mary’s perfect relationship with God. “That is my prayer for each of my girls, “ Dawn shared with her sister-in-law. “and I’ve told them too, when they are tempted to sin, they should pray to Mary for strength.” Doris responded, “as we’re in the time of 16 days of Activism against Women and Child Abuse, we need to speak about that with the whole family,  men too as well as the women and girls.”   

 Scripture:   At that time the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary.  And the angel came to her and said “Hail full of grace. The Lord is with you.“   Luke 1: 26-38.  Pope Francis: In imitation of May the mother of Jesus, we want to be a Church that serves, that leaves home and goes forth from its places of worship in order to accompany life, to sustain hope, to be the sign of unity.  FT 276.   Reflect, share, and pray:   What is our family relationship with Mary, even if not all members are Catholic?