The Immaculate Conception is a day that celebrates the conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the womb of her mother, Saint Anne. God kept her soul immaculate, free from original sin. It is a day that is often confused with the Annunciation of the Lord, a day that celebrates the appearance of the angel Gabriel to Mary and her willing acceptance to accept the conception of Jesus Christ in her womb. The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, a holy day of obligation, falls on Sunday, December 8th, the 2nd Sunday of Advent, and is therefore not celebrated as a holy day of obligation this year. The feast day is transferred to Monday, December 9th – all are invited to Mass at 8:00 am to celebrate this feast day.